Plasma based terahertz devices

The properties of a thin plasma layer, described as a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) formed at the interface of two semiconducting materials are investigated. The mathematics for the wave phenomena is developed and dispersion relations are derived. Dispersion curves for practical semiconductor devices are presented and their properties are discussed, particularly relating to their ability to support plasmonic wave propagation and their associated loss mechanisms and propagation length. It is shown that high frequency subwavelength circuit devices and antennas can be engineered using this plasma technology.