Possible Efficient Generation of sub-MM wave signals by heterodyning two optical signals in a UTC-TW photo detector

In this paper the generation of sub-mm wave signals by heterodyning two optical signals in a photo detector is considered. Previous work exhibits very low power efficiency (<1%) and low output power level (<1 mw) for frequencies in the mm wave range. The authors have developed a simplified model to simulate the heterodyning process in the UTC-TW photo detector. The model has been validated by comparison between simulation and measurement results of an existing mm wave device. Special attention is given to the dependence of bandwidth on optical power level. The model has been used to design and simulate the performance of a sub-mm wave device. Good performance is expected at frequencies well into the sub-mm region