A Study on THz Plasmonics in a CMOS Continuum Transistor Array

Abstract

This work addresses the limitations of CMOS at terahertz (THz) frequencies, where charge transit time and parasitic capacitances restrict the maximum operating frequency, fmax. As transistor dimensions shrink, reduced current handling capabilities further challenge CMOS, necessitating novel circuit design approaches for the THz domain. By leveraging the plasma characteristics of electron channels in CMOS transistors, this study explores a potential solution for THz signal amplification. Key mechanisms in plasma wave amplification within a continuum transistor array (CTA) formed by 28 nm fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) CMOS transistors are investigated. A hydrodynamic transport model combined with Pierce's theory is presented to describe plasma wave propagation along the CTA. Simulations of gated amplifiers demonstrate the potential for THz signal amplification in advanced fabrication nodes. Finally, a proof-of-concept plasma wave amplifier operating at 700 GHz has been designed and fabricated, exhibiting amplification along the plasma wave propagation path.