I-Corps: Silicon Terahertz Electronics

该项目是为了测试纳米级场效应晶体管天线阵列的可行性，该天线阵列采用了新的、以前未开发的配置元素，用于太赫兹辐射与物体的相互作用。这项工作将基于先前nsf支持的研究，该研究展示了独特的Si太赫兹MOSFET和FINFET探测器。目前的方法将利用基于商业Si VLSI技术的廉价读出和图像处理电子设备。该项目将导致制造新的纳米级场效应管元件，形成太赫兹探测单元和天线。在HFSS中进行了天线的设计和仿真，以确保最大的效率。利用PI小组开发的软件工具解决了确定设备阻抗以减少反射和最大化天线增益的主要挑战。该项目将包括太赫兹与设备的相互作用和天线结构耦合的研究，以及灵敏度、增益、噪声、温度依赖性和噪声等效功率的分析。PI小组随后将把单个Si太赫兹探测器组合成大型阵列，形成焦平面阵列（FPA），用于太赫兹成像。该项目开发的太赫兹系统将在国家安全、医疗成像、制造、通信和光谱学领域产生更广泛的影响。目前的太赫兹探测器存在成本高、室温下响应性低、噪声大、速度有限等问题。机场保安行业每年的收入已超过1300亿美元。使用最广泛和最有效的机场安检工具之一是人体扫描仪，它通常是基于x射线的，对健康构成重大风险，尤其是对经常旅行的人。这些系统的分辨率相对较低，导致许多假阳性检测。相比之下，太赫兹技术在机场安检方面是安全有效的。太赫兹成像可以提供高分辨率的图像，并以x射线的一小部分能量照射主体，因此是一种更安全的解决方案。太赫兹辐射不能穿透金属，只能探测到塑料，这使其成为探测隐藏武器的主要候选者。它还可以用来探测爆炸物、毒素和其他潜在的安全威胁。提议的探测器可以建立新一代太赫兹系统，利用这些独特的机会。

This project is to test the feasibility of nanoscale FET antenna arrays with elements of new, previously unexplored configurations for THz radiation interaction with objects. This work will be based on prior NSF-supported research that demonstrated unique Si THz MOSFET and FINFET detectors. The current approach will take advantage of inexpensive readout and image processing electronics based on commercial Si VLSI technology. The project will result in the fabrication of new nanoscale FET elements forming the THz detection units with antenna. Design and simulation of antennas has been performed in HFSS to ensure maximum efficiency. A major challenge of determining device impedance to reduce reflection and maximize antenna gain has been resolved using software tools developed by the PI group. The project will include studies of the THz interaction with the device and coupling to antenna structures and analysis of sensitivity, gain, noise, temperature dependencies, and Noise Equivalent Power. The PI group will later combine individual Si THz detectors into large arrays to form Focal Plane Arrays (FPA) for THz imaging. The broader impact of terahertz systems to be developed in this program is in the areas of national security, medical imaging, manufacturing, communication, and spectroscopy. Today's terahertz detectors are hampered by high cost, low responsivity at room temperature, high noise, and limited speed. The airport security industry has grown to be over $130 billion per year. One of the most widely used and effective airport security tools are the body scanner, which are typically X-ray based, posing substantial health risks, especially to frequent travelers. These systems suffer from relatively low resolution causing many false-positive detections. In comparison, THz technology is safe and effective for airport security. THz imaging can provide high resolution images and irradiates the subject with a fraction of the energy of X-rays, thus being a much safer solution. THz radiation cannot penetrate metal and detects plastic, making it a prime candidate for detecting hidden weapons. It can also be used to detect explosives, toxins, and other potential security threats. The proposed detectors could establish a new generation of THz systems which would exploit these unique opportunities.