Compact Terahertz Heterodyne Receivers

There exists a need for versatile, compact and affordable heterodyne receivers for atmospheric remote sensing from aircraft and space platforms, as well as a host of other scientific, military and commercial applications. In Phase I we will utilize our innovative GaAs-on-dielectric integrated circuit fabrication process and novel circuit designs to develop a highly compact receiver for the frequency band from 750 GHz through 1,050 GHz. This band is particularly important for investigations of ice crystals and cirrus clouds and is not conveniently measured with present technology. The versatility of the receiver will be demonstrated by its broad bandwidth that will be achieved without tuners and its ability to operate at room temperature or cooled. The compactness will be achieved by the integration of the mixer and multiplier circuits into a single waveguide block without ferrite isolators. The system will be affordable because VDI's innovative technologies eliminate tuners and make fabrication less costly. Also, the full waveguide bandwidth greatly increases the market for each component, thereby lowering production costs. In Phase II we will integrate the complete receiver, including the LO amplifier, multiplier and mixer circuit, and first stage IF amplifier into a single, compact metal housing.