Terahertz photoconductive antenna based on a topological insulator nanofilm

Abstract

In this study, the efficient generation of terahertz radiation by a dipole photoconductive antenna, based on a thin island film of a topological insulator, was experimentally demonstrated. The performance of the Bi1.9Sb0.1Te2Se antenna was shown to be no worse than those of a semiconductor photoconductive antenna, which is an order of magnitude thicker. The current–voltage characteristics were studied for the photo and dark currents in Bi1.9Sb0.1Te2Se. The possible mechanisms for generating terahertz waves were analyzed by comparing the characteristics of terahertz radiation of an electrically biased and unbiased topological insulator.