Systems, methods, and apparatus for radiation detection

An apparatus for detecting electromagnetic radiation including a first spectral component having a first frequency within a range of about 100 GHz to about 100 THz, the apparatus comprising:

• a conductive structure defining a first gap to receive and trap the electromagnetic radiation and generate an enhanced electric field in response to the first spectral component;
• an electroluminescent (EL) material disposed at least partially within the first gap to emit light in response to the enhanced electric field;
• and
• a light source in optical communication with the EL material and configured to illuminate the EL material with a beam of light having a photon energy below a band gap of the EL material so as to increase a sensitivity of the apparatus to the first spectral component.

A method of detecting electromagnetic radiation including a first spectral component having a first frequency within a range of about 100 GHz to about 100 THz, the method comprising:

• illuminating a field-enhancing structure (FES) with the electromagnetic radiation to trap the electromagnetic radiation in a gap defined by the FES and generate an enhanced electric field at the FES in response to the first spectral component so as to cause an electroluminescent (EL) material, electromagnetically coupled to the FES, to emit light in response to the enhanced electric field;
• detecting the light emitted by the EL material;
• and
• illuminating the EL material with a light beam having a photon energy below a band gap of the EL material so as to increase a sensitivity of the FES.