Integrated terahertz transmit/receive modules

We report on research and development of millimeter-wave components used in prototype 600 GHz transmit and receive systems. These systems offer state-of-the-art performance in terms of noise, power, ease of use and mechanical and electrical robustness. The transmitters comprise high-power frequency multiplier chains driven by commercial power amplifiers in the 18-45 GHz range and lower frequency fundamental oscillators. The receivers comprise a subharmonic mixer and an LO multiplier chain. All of the components are based on planar GaAs Schottky diodes in fixed-tuned broadband embedding structures. These designs are scalable to any frequency in the band from 100 GHz through 1 THz and we are exploring the challenges of scaling to the 1-5 THz band.