Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have created a CMOS circuit that operates at nearly 10THz – the highest frequency yet achieved for the technology. The team says the development could make night vision and heat based imaging affordable.
The UT Dallas device was created using Schottky diodes in CMOS. "There are no existing electronic detection systems operating in CMOS that can reach beyond 5THz," said researcher Zeshan Ahmad from the Texas Analog Center of Excellence (TxACE). "We designed our chip in such a way that it can be mass produced inexpensively, has a smaller pixel and operates at higher frequencies."
The device could eventually be used in devices which detect animals near a road while driving at night; imaging intruders in darkness; and tasks such as finding pipes covered by concrete or walls.
Dr Kenneth O, professor of electrical engineering at UTexas Dallas, said: "This is a truly remarkable accomplishment; 20 years ago, we were struggling to build CMOS circuits operating at 1GHz."
The next step in the research is to realize CMOS devices that can reach frequencies of up to 40THz.
Author
Graham Pitcher
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk