THz Mixers, Receivers, and LO Sources for Heliophysics

This research is responsive to SBIR Subtopic S14.02: In Situ Particles and Fields and Remote-Sensing-Enabling Technologies for Heliophysics Instruments; Scope Title: Enabling Technologies for Remote-Sensing Heliophysics Instruments; specifically, the bullet item “Technologies for precise radiometry at THz bands corresponding to upper atmosphere thermal emissions in the 1-5 THz range, particularly at 4.75 THz.” VDI’s primary goal is the development of receivers and sources that can eventually be extended throughout the 1 – 5 THz range for commercial and scientific applications. This goal will be achieved by initially focusing on the most promising receiver technologies to enable NASA missions to measure the OI lines at 2.06 THz and 4.75 THz for heliophysics. The project has five objectives – • Development of a fundamental mixer to be used with a QCL LO source for heliophysics at 4.75 THz. This project supports only the mixer development, not the QCL. • The development of a 4.75 THz microwatt test source for the evaluation of both the VDI mixer and NASA’s receiver system (mixer and QCL LO). • Development of a 1.03 THz LO source for 2.06 THz heliophysics receivers. The goals are >2.0mW and minimal SWaP for SmallSat applications. • The development of a 2.06 THz subharmonically pumped mixer. • The integration of the LO source and mixer to realize a deliverable 2.06 receiver system meeting the core requirements for a heliophysics mission. NASA funds will be used for personnel (design, diode-IC fabrication, assembly, testing, and evaluation), power amplifier MMICs, and custom machined waveguide housings. The initial target market is atmospheric remote sensing and heliophysics research. Additional markets include plasma diagnostics for nuclear fusion experiments, QCL phase locking and testing, and general test and measurement. The components developed for the sources will also be marketed for commercial and scientific applications.