THz Technology with Nanoelectronic and Vacuum Nanoelectronic Devices, a Tutorial

New device concepts and materials for the fabrication of compact THz (> 100 GHz) nanoelectronic and vacuum nanoelectronic devices are of particular interest for broadband communication, security screening of packages and chemical materials, biomedical examination, and other applications. In particular, new compact and room-temperature THz imaging systems as well as environmental monitoring are an application of considerable socio-economic interest. This tutorial shows new THz photomixers based on nanocontacts and miniaturized vacuum tubes based on functional field emitters to improve the cut-off frequency and output power compared to conventional solid-state devices with GaAs, InGaAs and GaN materials.