Integrated Multipliers for Submillimeter-Wave Radio Astronomy

University Of Virginia Main Campus, Charlottesville VA

Investigators

Abstract

Weikle 9987104 Fundamental and substantial improvements in the performance of millimeter and submillimeter-wave multipliers will produce more reliable varactor multipliers with improved bandwidth and efficiency at terahertz frequencies which will enable high-sensitivity observations in the one of the least explored and most important regime of the electromagnetic spectrum. This three-year program focuses on three phases of development. I) development of diode-based submillimeter-wave integrated circuits MMIC's, 2) the integration of electromagnetic and device simulation tools for IC multiplier design at terahertz frequencies, and 3) a comprehensive investigation of integrated multiplier systems, including the dynamics of cascaded multiplier stages. The development of submillimeter-wave MMIC's will also have significant impact on fields such as atmospheric remote sensing, chemical spectroscopy, high-resolution radar and will open the terahertz region of the spectrum for greater use and broader scientific investigation.