Terahertz Transistor

University of Arizona
posted on 04/24/2009

Background: Terahertz (THz) signals can be used in numerous fields such as medical imaging where they provide a safe alternative to the use of x-rays, security imaging where THz waves can safely be used to detect and identify dangerous or illegal materials, and radiotelescopy where scientists can use THz waves to peer deep within molecular clouds to study star formation. Other proposed uses of THz technologies are in manufacturing where they can be used to see through plastic and cardboard packaging to perform quality control measures and in high altitude communications allowing satellites to better communicate with planes and other satellites. Currently, however, few true THz signal sources and no THz amplifiers exist.

A particular issue is that THz signal generation to date has been extremely weak due to the lack of THz amplifiers, thus limiting the use of THz signals in those applications. But now a University of Arizona researcher has invented a new transistor that should be capable or generating and amplifying signal frequencies at 1 THz or greater by radically rethinking the traditional doped-channel transistor design. This new design should create signal sources and amplifiers that operate at true THz frequencies, which will overcome existing limitations and allow for the creation of a number of THz based devices.

Applications:
* Radiotelescopy and Sub-Milimeter Astronomy Devices
* Medical Imaging Devices
* Security Devices
* Manufacturing, Quality Control, and Process Monitoring

Advantages:
* True terahertz frequency signal generation and amplification should help push through existing THz signal strength barriers allowing for more robust applications.
* Fast switching speed and low power dissipation make the Terahertz Transistor a candidate for high speed electronics applications.

Website: http://www.as.arizona.edu/people/faculty/walker.html

Status: The University of Arizona's Professor Walker is building a prototype that should demonstrate this technology's promise of the true terahertz signal generation that is anticipated by extensive mathematical modeling and testing. Results are expected Summer 2009. Seeking partner to license.

Refer to Case# UA09-019

Advantages

* True terahertz frequency signal generation and amplification should help push through existing THz signal strength barriers allowing for more robust applications. * Fast switching speed and low power dissipation make the Terahertz Transistor a candidate for high speed electronics applications.

Innovation Details

Detailed Description

Terahertz (THz) signals can be used in numerous fields such as medical imaging where they provide a safe alternative to the use of x-rays, security imaging where THz waves can safely be used to detect and identify dangerous or illegal materials, and radiotelescopy where scientists can use THz waves to peer deep within molecular clouds to study star formation. Other proposed uses of THz technologies are in manufacturing where they can be used to see through plastic and cardboard packaging to perform quality control measures and in high altitude communications allowing satellites to better communicate with planes and other satellites. Currently, however, few true THz signal sources and no THz amplifiers exist. A particular issue is that THz signal generation to date has been extremely weak due to the lack of THz amplifiers, thus limiting the use of THz signals in those applications. But now a University of Arizona researcher has invented a new transistor that should be capable or generating and amplifying signal frequencies at 1 THz or greater by radically rethinking the traditional doped-channel transistor design. This new design should create signal sources and amplifiers that operate at true THz frequencies, which will overcome existing limitations and allow for the creation of a number of THz based devices.

File Number: UA09-019

Web site: http://www.as.arizona.edu/people/faculty/walker...

Other Information: * Refer to: Case # UA09-019 * Lead Innovator: Dr. Christopher Walker * Case Manager: Lance Creed * lcreed@ott.arizona.edu

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This innovation currently is not available for online licensing. Please contact Lance Creed at University of Arizona for more information.

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