W-Band RF Instrumentation

W-band millimeter waves have a number of important applications, including directed energy and, more recently, 5G FR2 network development. Reliable measurements of electric fields in the W-Band, while critical to the development of these applications, have proven challenging. This proposal addresses the development of an accurate, traceable, cost effective W-band RF field strength detector. The solution proposed consists of an advanced detector technology which possesses the ability to detect the field strengths of W-band radiation over a broad range of input powers. Through optimized device geometries, sensors will be tailored to provide efficient detection of free-space radiation over the entire W-band. Additional operating modes are available for vector measurement of frequency dependent magnitude and phase of the incoming W-band energy. While advanced in capabilities and performance, the technology is also compact and cost effective. Under this proposal, prototype W-band sensors will be fabricated, and W-band power intensities will be measured for validation. Calibration strategies will also be addressed for integration of the sensor into self-calibrating instrumentation.