Patent ID: 7010183
Filing Date: 2006-03-07
Classification: B82Y,G02B,G02F,H01S

Abstract:
1. A detector for detecting input electromagnetic radiation incident thereon, said detector comprising: a) an input port configured to receive said input electromagnetic radiation; b) an output port; and c) a structure including a tunneling junction connected with said input port and said output port, said tunneling junction being configured in a way (i) which provides electrons in a particular energy state within said structure, (ii) which produces surface plasmons in response to said input electromagnetic radiation, (iii) which causes said structure to act as a waveguide for directing at least a portion of said surface plasmons along a predetermined path toward said output port such that the surface plasmons so directed interact with said electrons in a particular way, and (iv) which produces at said output port an output electrical signal resulting from said particular interaction between said electrons and said surface plasmons.