Plasmon-resonant microchip emitters and detectors for terahertz sensing and spectroscopic applications

This paper reviews recent advances in emission and detection of terahertz (THz) radiation utilizing two-dimensional plasmons in semiconductor heterostructures and their possible sensing and spectroscopic applications. The device is introduced as a light source into a Fourier-transform THz spectrometer. Water-vapor absorption lines as well as fingerprints of honey and maple syrup of sugar-group materials were successfully observed. Absolute sensitivity characteristics and detection polarization are also presented, showing the possibility of new highly efficient THz detectors.