LT-GaAs-based THz transceiver probe with active single-antenna for sub-50 μm spatial-resolution reflection measurements

The spatial resolution of photoconductive THz nearfield microprobes that are available for reflection operation has so far clearly lagged behind those for transmission operation. In this work, we present a THz near-field transceiver probe offering a spatial resolution increase from previously 200 μm now down to the sub-50-μm range. The increased resolution and high contrast is achieved by using a basically very old approach – an active single-antenna detector embedded on an LT-GaAs-based micro-cantilever. In contrast to the previous transceivers with a passive single antenna it enables an increased near-field interaction leading to increased contrast and spatial resolution.