A traveling fringes photodetector for microwave signals

We report a novel straightforward theoretical analysis and improved high frequency experimental performances of a new type resonant photodetector. A large detection volume is provided by a synchronous drift of photogenerated carriers with a moving interference pattern in a photoconductor. It appears to be suitable for optical generation of microwave signals at high power levels. Performances as a function of applied electric field, photoconductive material characteristic, fringe period, and optical power level are analyzed. Experimental results using a GaAs photoconductive layer are presented at frequency f=1.6 GHz.