Technically, the THz-frequency range (100 GHz - 10 THz) lies in between the fields of optic and electronic applications. Only a few years ago it was barely accessible. Modern optoelectronic approaches, however, stimulated an accelerated exploitation of the THz range and generated a multitude of commercially and scientifically highly interesting applications like non-destructive testing of integrated electronic structures, semiconductor material analysis, photonic device analysis, marker-free biomolecular sensors as well as broad-band communication and security applications.
AMO's research focus in the field of THz-technology is on the development of novel near-field measurement tools, integrated silicon-based nanophotonic components for the generation and detection of THz-signals, optimized large-scale THz-emitters and bio-sensing structures.
Research topics
THz near-field measurements based on active micro probesMicro-machining technologies together with ultra-fast optoelectronics create new perspectives for THz-analysis at smallest scale. Our novel optoelectronic micro-probes find an enormous application potential in the fields of fault location in 3D-ICs, MMIC-analysis, waveguide and mode analysis, nano-photonic device characterization, semiconductor material analysis, solar analysis and many other fields. |
|
THz-Silicon photonicsSilicon is still the by far most important integration platform. Silicon-based integrated photonics are becoming increasingly important, especially for future broadband data communication. AMO GmbH is developing electro-optical silicon-based nanophotonic components for the telecom-wavelength range enabling the generation and detection of signals up to the THz-frequency range. |
|
Large area scalable THz-emittersMost of the existing THz-systems use optically pumped THz-sources and detectors. A current research topic is the design optimization of such components enabling enhancement of conversion efficiency, absolute output power, device lifetime and easier adjustment for near-field and waveguide excitation applications. |
|
Resonant THz-structures for bio-sensing applicationsLarge biomolecules like DNS-strands or proteins have characteristic resonant frequencies in the THz-frequency range. Therefore, measurements of the response of biomolecules on THz-wave excitation can provide important information about their binding-state or conformation without application of otherwise mostly necessary marker molecules. Artificial THz resonators help using this effect for marker-free bio-sensing applications at maximum sensitivity. |
|
