Novel voltage-tunable far-infrared and terahertz detector based on a quantum ballistic channel
We explore the possibility of far-infrared and terahertz photovoltaic detection based on a quantum ballistic channel with an abrupt narrow end. By calculating the photoinduced intersubband transition in the channel and the transfer efficiency of electrons over the narrow end, we propose an optimized split-gate structure with maximum electron transfer efficiency. The detector responsivity, operating temperature for background-limited performance and noise equivalent power are evaluated. These detectors may be used in applications such as spectroscopy, infrared astronomy and space and environmental sensing.