Array of tunneling-coupled quantum dots as a terahertz range quantum nanoantenna

A terahertz range nanoantenna of a new type was conceptualized. The physical mechanism underlying the concept is population waveguiding, the Rabi wave, in tunneling-coupled one-dimensional and two-dimensional arrays of quantum dots (QDs) excited by the light wave traveling along the antenna. The terahertz component of the emission is stimulated by the tunneling current induced on the Rabi frequency by the motion of quantum transitions along the QD array. We calculated the antenna characteristics for the Rabi-wave loop nanoantenna and found its emission characteristics to be electrically tunable via varying the intensity and phase velocity of the light wave. The conceptualized antennas are promising for many practical applications due to their ability of electrical scanning of the antenna radiation pattern. (C) 2013 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)