Simulation of Electromagnetic Characteristics of a Terahertz Receiver

Abstract

Electromagnetic radiation of the terahertz range (THz) is used in various fields of science and technology: medical diagnostics, security and control, sensor and communication technologies, scientific research, etc. Computer simulation in the development and research of THz receivers significantly reduces costs and time-to-market by replacing expensive experiments. Advanced software suites, like HFSS, facilitate the accurate modeling of intricate three-dimensional configurations and the analysis of component electrodynamic performance. This study leveraged HFSS to simulate the performance of a THz receiver across the 0.4–1.4 THz band. The accuracy of the simulations relies on the fidelity of the model, encompassing geometric details, material properties, and chosen simulation parameters. This paper proposes a three-dimensional model of an original selective compact receiver of terahertz electromagnetic radiation (with a conversion efficiency of~97 %) for two resonance frequencies, consisting of a sensor based on two open apodized periodic microcavity structures with a fill factor changing according to a linear law, a matching element in the form of an asymmetric irregular triangular strip line, and a detecting diode. The design offers key advantages including high conversion efficiency, suitability for matrix architectures, high selectivity to registered radiation, and the potential for simple readout methods, making it an attractive approach for THz sensing, an important tool across various scientific and practical applications.