2014 Volume 83 Issue 7 Pages 565-570
The terahertz (THz) frequency range creates possibilities for various applications, such as imaging and high-speed wireless communications. For these applications, the source is a key component. Resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) are expected to be a candidate for compact THz sources with semiconductors. Presently, a room-temperature oscillation at 1.42 THz has been achieved by reducing the electron delay time, and a high output power has been obtained with improved antennas and array configurations. Preliminary experiments on wireless communications and imaging have recently also been started. In this article, progress on the study of RTD oscillators, as they approach high-frequency and high-power operations, as well as progress on various properties for different applications are introduced.
