A novel simulation method for THz photoconductive antenna characterization

A novel method for simulating Terahertz (THz) photoconductive antennas in a pulsed system is developed. In this technique, first the excitation signal of the antenna is theoretically derived based upon the optoelectronic characteristics of the THz system. Then, via the use of a full-wave electromagnetic solver (CST) and considering the effect of the receiver, the detected signal is characterized. The THz emission characteristics of dipole antennas are systematically studied by varying the excitation, the material and geometrical parameters. This method is validated by measurement results published in literature and a good agreement is observed. This approach facilitates a more realistic prediction of THz antenna performance in a pulsed system before costly fabrication.