Direct observation of Dyakonov–Shur terahertz generation

Demonstrate direct generation of terahertz radiation arising from the Dyakonov–Shur instability in hydrodynamic electron devices, beyond indirect downconversion-based detection.

Background

The Dyakonov–Shur instability in asymmetric cavities is a long-standing proposal for THz generation from electron hydrodynamics. While rectification and downconversion detection of THz have been observed, direct emission attributable to the instability has not yet been reported. A definitive observation would benchmark nonlinear hydrodynamic device operation and address the THz gap.