Dynamical instability and switching of resonant tunneling device under terahertz radiation

Abstract

Using the Wigner-Poisson transport model, we have theoretically investigated dynamical instability and transient behavior of a double barrier resonant tunneling device driven by a terahertz field. It is found that switching between different current states may be triggered by terahertz electromagnetic radiation. The transition between high- and low-current states could be explained by time-dependent energy-level coupling and nonlinear processes. The characteristic switching times correspond to the terahertz frequency range, suggesting that the system may potentially act as a terahertz switch.