Scientists have developed a compact quantum detector of terahertz radiation

An international team of scientists led by specialists from the University of Cambridge and Swansea University in the UK has developed a compact quantum detector that significantly increases the sensitivity of capturing terahertz radiation. This was reported on May 31 by Science Daily magazine.

The terahertz range, located between microwave and infrared light, remains one of the most difficult areas of the electromagnetic spectrum to study. Existing sensors often have low operating speeds and require bulky, expensive cryogenically cooled equipment. The new device combines the principles of quantum physics and a specially designed meta-surface for converting radiation into electrical signals.

The device is based on an intra-plane photoelectric effect. Terahertz photons transfer energy to electrons confined within a two-dimensional electron gas. These particles overcome a specially created potential barrier, forming a measurable electric current. Unlike traditional photodetectors, the mechanism does not require exceeding the minimum energy threshold of photons.

To increase the efficiency of wave capture, the researchers used a "brickwork" structure. This pattern concentrates electromagnetic energy in narrow spaces where detection elements are embedded.

During the tests, the device demonstrated an external quantum efficiency of 2.1% at a frequency of 1.9 THz. This is about 20 times higher than the performance of previous detectors operating on similar principles. The device operates at zero offset of the source and drain, which eliminates the appearance of dark currents and reduces noise levels. The first author of the paper, Ruqiao Xia, drew attention to the fact that the devices are direct-acting detectors operating at zero offset. According to him, that's why they function without dark currents.

The development is compatible with standard semiconductor manufacturing methods, which makes it possible to integrate such sensors directly into microchips. Scientists believe that the technology will find applications in next-generation wireless networks, healthcare, astronomy and quality control in production.

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The magazine Phys.org On April 22, he announced the discovery of a new quantum effect. Scientists conducted a study and "listened" to a rare crystal — ruthenium chloride. As a result, they found that the waves begin to spiral, which is called the acoustic Faraday effect. The reason was given by experts as a special property of the material, the viscosity of the Hall, which literally twists the direction of oscillation and simultaneously deflects the heat flow.