Welcome to the new version of CaltechAUTHORS. Login is currently restricted to library staff. If you notice any issues, please email coda@library.caltech.edu
Published July 28, 2000 | Published
Book Section - Chapter Open

Development of 200-GHz to 2.7-THz multiplier chains for submillimeter-wave heterodyne receivers

Abstract

Several astrophysics and Earth observation space missions planned for the near future will require submillimeter-wave heterodyne radiometers for spectral line observations. One of these, the Far InfraRed and Submillimeter Telescope will perform high-sensitivity, high-resolution spectroscopy in the 400 to 2700 GHz range with a seven channel super- conducting heterodyne receiver complement. The local oscillators for all these channels will be constructed around state-of-the-art GaAs power amplifiers in the 71 to 115 GHz range, followed by planar Schottky diode multiplier chains. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is responsible for developing the multiplier chains for the 1.2, 1.7, and 2.7 THz bands. This paper will focus on the designs and technologies being developed to enhance the current state- of-the-art, which is based on discrete planar or whisker contacted GaAs Schottky diode chips mounted in waveguide blocks. We are proposing a number of new planar integrated circuit and device topologies to implement multipliers at these high frequencies. Approaches include substrateless, framed and frameless GaAs membrane circuitry with single, and multiple planar integrated Schottky diodes. Circuits discussed include 200 and 400 GHz doublers, a 1.2 THz tripler and a 2.4 THz doubler. Progress to date, with the implications of this technology development for future Earth and space science instruments, is presented.

Additional Information

© 2000 Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). We are highly appreciative of the numerous technical discussions that we have had with Neal Erickson (UMass), Peter Zimmermann (RPG), and Tom Crowe (UVa). We also wish to acknowledge the technical help provided by Barbara Nakamura, Andy Fung, and Ray Tsang (all of JPL) for device fabrication and characterization. The research described in this publication was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Attached Files

Published - 285.pdf

Files

285.pdf
Files (2.6 MB)
Name Size Download all
md5:d1377dffa17e0a6cb31154479da5ff20
2.6 MB Preview Download

Additional details

Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
January 14, 2024