| Acronym: GDD-THZ |
| Main Objective: Glow Discharge Detectors (GDD) offer a low cost solution for the detection of THz and millimeter waves with high sensitivity and fast response at room temperature. This work aims to contribute with a detailed study on the role of frequency dependent resonant effects in the detection mechanism of GDDs and present an optimal design for detection. It has a laboratory component (TD-THz spectroscopy and CW High Frequency THz measurements) supported by theoretical and numerical analysis of THz wave propagation in these devices. A research field, started in the 70s, which consisted in using glow discharge lamps to detect THz and millimeter waves has become relevant again in the international arena due to the high interest in developing THz technologies. By forming the discharge in a gas kept at high pressure between two leads, the lamp generates light and a plasma is formed inside the device which drives it to be sensitive, and consequently to detect, THz and/or millimeter waves. Our research not only support this, but using the METU-Ankara Turkey home-built THz pulsed spectrometers we also see frequency resonant effects as the THz pulse passes through the plasma. We believe that these are due to the structure of the plasma glow discharge region and the physical structure of the cathode and anode. Our goal is to understand the role of these resonant effects in the detection mechanism of the glow discharge lamp. We intend to investigate this by using the time-domain THz spectroscopy systems as well as CW high frequency THz measurements, available at the laboratories in METU-Ankara, coupled with simulations of the THz wave propagation through the discharge structure which will be aided by the team in IT-Lisbon Portugal. This work will focus on the development of a variable GDD structure where we can control the pressure and nature of discharge gases, as well as electrical properties such as the applied bias on the anode and cathode. The aim of this is to find the best combination of materials, spacing between electrodes and pressure inside the GDDs for optimal detection. By modeling the plasma medium and discharge structure, simulations will be carried out based on proprietary software such as CST-Microwave Studio and ANSYS-HFSS. The proven ability of this method to detect THz waves with high sensitivity at room temperature, and the observed frequency dependent resonant effects, show that these devices can be used in a variety of civilian and defense applications. This research will allow us to understand the effects of the interaction of the gas lamp with the THz field and of these observed resonances for THz detection and aid us in developing these technologies. |
| Reference: TUBITAK/0002/2014 |
| Funding: FCT |
| Start Date: 01-03-2017 |
| End Date: 01-03-2020 |
| Team: Marco Alexandre Ribeiro |
| Groups: Radio Systems – Lx |
| Partners: |
| Local Coordinator: Marco Alexandre Ribeiro |
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Associated Publications
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