Development of a photoconductive antenna based on a modulation-doped GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure

The feasibility of a photoconductive antenna (PCA) using GaAs/AlGaAs modulation-doped heterostructures (MDH) as the photoconductive substrate is studied. Terahertz (THz) emission enhancement from a lateral transient photocurrent is achieved via a magnetic field applied transversely to the MDH sample surface, simulating PCA operation with a lateral electrical bias. Prototype PCAs are then fabricated and tested, demonstrating their THz emission and detection capabilities.