What is Terahertz Antenna : Top Manufacturers

A terahertz antenna is a specialized antenna designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals within the terahertz frequency spectrum, typically between 0.1 THz and 10 THz. These antennas are used in imaging systems, spectroscopy, scientific research, high speed wireless communications, security screening, and advanced sensing applications. The popular manufacturers of Terahertz Antennas are Menlo systems, TeraVil Ltd, Virginia Diodes, Thorlabs, Tx Instruments etc.

Introduction

THz (Terahertz) transceivers use low power for transmission. Hence, they require directional antennas for communication between the transmitting end and the receiving end.

Various types of antennas are developed for commercial applications below 1 Terahertz (THz). The common ones include lens antennas, Cassegrain reflector antennas, and diagonal horn antennas. Terahertz frequency waves have a very small wavelength (i.e., 30 µm at 10 THz), which leads to smaller size.

The figure depicts a THz wireless communication system. As shown, wireless signals are received by the terahertz antenna and converted into the optical domain. This converted optical signal is transported over a RoF (Radio Over Fiber) link. An electro-optic intensity modulator is used for electrical signal to optical signal conversion.

The antennas are used for various applications, viz. THz signal generation and detection, THz spectroscopy, THz imaging, and THz physics.

Following are the typical specifications to be considered for terahertz antenna selection:

• Photoconductive material type
• Bandwidth
• Photosensitivity
• Average optical power
• Pulse duration
• Repetition rate
• Bias voltage

Terahertz Antenna Manufacturers

The following table lists Terahertz Antenna manufacturers with their respective THz antenna products.

Terahertz Antenna Manufacturers	Description
Menlo Systems Inc.	• Fiber coupled photoconductive antenna for emitter and receiver modules • Laser Wavelength: 1560 nm • Website: menlosystems.com • Email: sales@menlosystems.com
TeraVil Ltd	• Photoconductive emitter / detector antenna (Microstrip) • Operating laser wavelength: 800 nm • Website: TERAVIL • Contact Email id: info@teravil.lt
Virginia Diodes Inc.	• Horn Antennas for THz range including straight waveguides and tapers • Website: Vadiodes.com
THORLABS, New Jersey, USA	• THz antennas for different wavelengths 800 nm, 1030 nm, and 1550 nm • Website: Vadiodes.com
TK Instruments	• Corrugated horn antennas for microwave and terahertz frequencies from 2 to 1000 GHz • Website: http://www.terahertz.co.uk/tk-instruments/products/corrugatedhorns
TOPTICA Photonics AG	• Photoconductive antennas • Website: www.toptica.com • Email: info@toptica.com

Summary

A terahertz antenna enables transmission and reception of signals in the THz frequency range. Leading manufacturers develop terahertz antennas for imaging, spectroscopy, sensing, research, and next-generation wireless communication systems.