Spatial impulse response of lithographic infrared antennas.

We present measurements of the spatial response of infrared dipole and bow-tie lithographic antennas. Focused 10.6-microm radiation was scanned in two dimensions across the receiving area of each antenna. Deconvolution of the beam profile allowed the spatial response to be measured. The in-plane width of the antenna's spatial response extends approximately one dielectric wavelength beyond the metallic structure. Determination of an antenna's spatial response is important for several reasons. The power collected by the antenna can be calculated, if the collection area and the input irradiance (watts per square centimeter) are known. The actual power collected by the antenna is required for computation of responsivity and noise-equivalent power. In addition, the spatial response provides insight into the current-wave modes that propagate on an antenna and the nature of the fringe fields that exist in the adjacent dielectric.