Abstract:
A detector system for performing at least one of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic radiation at a low-terahertz frequency. The detection of electromagnetic radiation at low-terahertz frequencies can be useful in the detection of various chemicals. Preferably a detector includes a microresonant structure that is caused to resonate by electromagnetic radiation at a low-terahertz frequency. The resonance is detected by detecting an altered path of a charged particle beam.
Abstract:
A microdischarge photodetector has a photocathode, an insulator and an anode. A cavity of limited size is disposed in the insulator and filled with gas. A voltage applied between the photocathode and the anode produces a plasma. Light incident on the photocathode having photon energies larger than about the work function produces photoelectrons are ejected from the photocathode and accelerated by the plasma electric field. The incident light is detected by detecting an increase in the plasma current or light emission from the plasma. The cavity may be flat or tapered and is designed to optimize detector performance.
Abstract:
Ion chambers adapted for use with radiant energy in the vacuum ultraviolet and X-ray spectral regions are provided wherein the ion repeller and collector electrodes are configured to provide an electric field therebetween which has a non-uniform potential gradient allowing a photon beam to be passed through a region of low field strength. A further aspect of the configuration of the ion repeller and collector electrodes is the elimination of the need for guard rings.