Point Contact MOM Tunneling Detector Analysis

摘要

The responsivity and its frequency dependence are derived for an asymmetrical tunneling contact in terms of area, thickness, mean barrier height, and asymmetry. This analysis applies to the point contact metal‐oxide‐metal diodes which are used as detectors and heterodyne mixers in the submillimeter wavelength and far infrared regions and are the fastest detectors yet conceived. Analytical results show that the best detector will have a small contact area. This is best achieved by using base metals with extremely thin insulating surface layers in order to prevent flattening of the whisker tip. This conclusion led to the development of the tungsten‐gold film diode used as a mixer and detector in the far infrared. Video detection is demonstrated at 27.97‐μ wavelength in response to a water vapor laser.