Abstract
There is expanding interest in developing THz spectrum instruments for biochemical agent spectroscopy, environmental monitoring and medical imaging. This paper presents a brief review of recently published patents that target innovations for making improvements to THz radiation sources, which is one of the essential modules for building sensing and imaging systems. This analysis will summarize the novel physical aspects and/or innovative design methodology associated with each patent concept. The approaches presented include photonic crystal, ultrafast photoconductive switch, slow-wave structure, photo-mixing in piezoelectric material, stimulated Raman effect, multiquantum well multiplier, and Josephson Junction device.
Keywords: Auston Switch, Josephson Effect, Photonic Crystal, Piezoelectric Material, Slow-Wave, Raman Effect, Terahertz.
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