Analysis and design of a continuous-wave terahertz photoconductive photomixer array source

An array of photoconductive photomixer/antenna elements as a continuous-wave terahertz source is proposed, and its radiation characteristic is studied. Employing photomixer/antenna elements in an array configuration increases available terahertz power, while each of the array elements consumes optical power less than its maximum sustainable power. A few microwatt terahertz power is achievable from a typical array structure. It is shown that the radiated beam can be steered by changing the angle between the two exciting laser beams.