THz resonant-tunneling diodes, oscillators, detectors, and applications

Abstract

The paper gives a short overview on the present status of the resonant-tunnelling diodes (RTDs) in the area of THz electronics. In particular, the RTD oscillators are discussed: the achieved level of their output power and operating frequencies; an overview of the different types of RTD oscillators, their advantages and disadvantages; tunability and frequency stability of RTD oscillators. The use of RTDs as THz detectors is also shortly discussed, in particular: operating principles, limitations, application examples. Further on, an overview on the application examples of RTDs is given: RTDs oscillators in high-data-rate wireless transmission systems, imaging applications, spectroscopy, etc.