Modeling and Simulation of Terahertz Devices

Research and development in the exploitation of millimeter and submillimeter waves has undergone impressive growth during the last decade due to the potential technological uses of the terahertz (THz) portion of the spectrum with its unique location between the microwave (i.e., electronic) and the optical domains, which nominally corresponds to the frequency range from 300 GHz (submillimeter wave) to 10 THz. There are a number of important applications in the THz band, including atmospheric science, biodetection and imaging, THz spectroscopy, threat detection, broadband communications, and the detection of bioagents relevant to battlefield defense. Due to the sensitivity of THz radiation to the configuration of large organic molecules, THz spectroscopy will support and sustain new technologies for the remote detection of potentially harmful bioagents [1], [2]. Furthermore, the possibility to fabricate solid-state sources and detectors will allow the production of fully integrated biosensors [3]. Wireless communication is another promising application of THz technology. In particular, mobile videophones and highspeed mobile Internet access would be greatly facilitated if THz carriers would be used at least in some links of the cellular network. All solid-state THz communication systems can be envisioned [4] that supply a valid alternative to the expensive and less-developed all-optical communication technology.