Development of compact broadband receivers at submillimeter wavelengths

The development of compact broadband fixed-tuned receivers at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths is discussed. These components rely on a fusion between novel integrated planar diode technology and innovative broadband circuit topologies. A 500 GHz InGaAs subharmonic mixer has been demonstrated that has the same sensitivity as a GaAs mixer (T_MIX∼1500 K (DSB)) while using less than half the LO power. In addition, an integrated tripler-mixer has been developed at 180 GHz that exhibits state-of-the-art sensitivity (T_MIX∼550 K (DSB)) using 125 mW of LO power at 30 GHz. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop a compact, highly sensitive radiometer at 874 GHz to meet upcoming critical NASA Earth Science requirements.