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Amplification of terahertz radiation in carbon nanotubes

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Abstract

We investigate theoretically the feasibility of amplification of terahertz radiation in aligned achiral carbon nanotubes, a zigzag (12,0) and an armchair (10,10) in comparison with a superlattice using a combination of a constant direct current (dc) and a high-frequency alternate current (ac) electric fields. The electric current density expression is derived using the semiclassical Boltzmann transport equation with a constant relaxation time. The electric field is applied along the nanotube axis. Analysis of the current density versus electric field characteristics reveals a negative differential conductivity behavior at high frequency, as well as photon assisted peaks. The photon assisted peaks are about an order of magnitude higher in the carbon nanotubes compared to the superlattice. These strong phenomena in carbon nanotubes can be used to obtain domainless amplification of terahertz radiation at room temperature.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Laser and Fibre Optics Centre, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

    Sulemana S. Abukari, Samuel Y. Mensah, Kwadwo A. Dompreh & Anthony Twum

  2. Department of Physics, The Pennsylvania State University, Altoona College, Altoona, Pennsylvania, 16601, USA

    Kofi W. Adu

  3. Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA

    Kofi W. Adu

  4. National Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Ghana Atomic Energy commission, Kwabenya, Accra, Ghana

    Natalia G. Mensah

  5. Department of Mathematics, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

    Natalia G. Mensah

  6. Department of Applied Physics, University for Development Studies, Navorongo, Ghana

    Musah Rabiu

Authors
  1. Sulemana S. Abukari
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  2. Kofi W. Adu
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  3. Samuel Y. Mensah
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  4. Natalia G. Mensah
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  5. Kwadwo A. Dompreh
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  6. Anthony Twum
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  7. Musah Rabiu
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Correspondence to Kofi W. Adu.

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Abukari, S.S., Adu, K.W., Mensah, S.Y. et al. Amplification of terahertz radiation in carbon nanotubes. Eur. Phys. J. B 86, 182 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2013-30771-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2013-30771-6

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