Monte Carlo Simulation of Photoconductive Terahertz Sources in Mercury Cadmium Telluride

Abstract

In this master's thesis we explore the physics of a photoconductive terahertz emitter and diverse methods to increase its power emission. A way to simulate it via a Monte Carlo first principle simulator is presented, taking into account propagation delays. We show that the simulator is successfully in representing an increase of power with a lowering of the effective mass, an increase of the bias voltage or a stronger laser beam, and that the optical excitation should be focused on the vicinity of the anode. Discussions on screening and scattering effects, along with possible ways to improve the model are addressed.