Abstract: A photoconductive transducer intended to generate or detect waves in the terahertz frequency domain or in the picosecond pulse domain is provided. The transducer comprises a three-dimensional structure that includes, in this order, a first planar electrode, an array of nano-columns embedded in a layer of resist and a second planar electrode parallel to the first planar electrode. The design of the transducer increases the optical-to-terahertz conversion efficiency by means of photonic and plasmonic resonances and by means of high and homogeneous electric fields. The height of the nano-columns as well as the thickness of the resist range between 100 nanometres and 400 nanometres. The width of the nano-columns is between 100 nanometres and 400 nanometres, the distance between two adjacent nano-columns is between 300 nanometres and 500 nanometres, the nano-columns are made of a III-V semiconductor.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an optical switch includes a photoconductor body including a first edge and an opposite second edge, a first end and an opposite second end. The first edge is configured to receive an electrical input signal and the second edge is configured to deliver an electrical output signal. The photoconductor body is configured to have an electrically ON state that is activated by an optical signal and an electrically OFF state that is activated by an absence of the optical signal. A direction from the first end to the second end defines a longitudinal direction. The direction from the first edge to the second edge defines a first direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. A first dimension between the first edge and the second edge along the first direction decreases from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an optical switch includes a photoconductor body including a first edge and an opposite second edge, a first end and an opposite second end. The first edge is configured to receive an electrical input signal and the second edge is configured to deliver an electrical output signal. The photoconductor body is configured to have an electrically ON state that is activated by an optical signal and an electrically OFF state that is activated by an absence of the optical signal. A direction from the first end to the second end defines a longitudinal direction. The direction from the first edge to the second edge defines a first direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. A first dimension between the first edge and the second edge along the first direction decreases from the first end to the second end.