Engineering Terahertz Detector Arrays Based on InAs Nanowire Photoconductive Switches

Abstract

Arrays of nanowire-based photoconductive antennas hold potential for hyperspectral imaging in the terahertz range. InAs nanowires were selected for their high electron mobility, tunable charge carrier lifetimes and small footprints. We investigate different nanowire crystal structures (zinc-blende and metastable wurtzite), different diameters and different surface treatments to achieve phase sensitive detectors of terahertz radiation that can be integrated into an array suitable for hyperspectral terahertz imaging. Machine vision identification of nanowires and automated electrode routing processes are employed to generate arrays of nanowire photoconductive antennas, even from initial distributions of randomly and irregularly located nanowires. Show more