All-electronic generation of 880 fs, 3.5 V shockwaves and their application to a 3 THz free-space signal generation system

Abstract

We report the first subpicosecond shockwaves ever generated and measured by entirely electronic means. These shockwaves have 880 fs fall times with 3.5 V amplitudes. This was accomplished at T=77 K with a monolithic nonlinear transmission line and diode sampling bridge fabricated on GaAs. We have used these circuits with integrated antennas to generate freely propagating pulses and have detected measurable radiation beyond 3 THz.