Air-Bridge Integrated Slot-Ring Antennas for HEB Devices: New Fabrication Techniques

Published

May 2, 2005

Author(s)

Dazhen Gu, Eyal Gerecht, Xin Zhao, Sigfrid Yngvesson

Abstract

In order to develop multi-pixel focal plane arrays at terahertz frequencies based on HEB technology, special consideration must be given to the power coupling configuration. Tunable terahertz LO sources don't have sufficient power to bias large arrays of HE mixers. we are developing a new quasi-optical coupling structure consisting of a slot-ring antenna and an eliptical silicon lens. The goal of the project is to eliminate the need for a beam splitter or diplexer and to couple both LO beam and signal beam directly to the antenna. This direct coupling can be achieved by fixing the polarizations of LO and signal beams to be orthogonal to each other. The IF power is extracted through a coplanar waveguide (CPW), that includes a stub filter to prevent the loss of terahertz power from the slot-ring. Discontinuities in the CPW structure cause even symmetry modes to propagate. An air-bridge ground plane structure can prevent the propagation of such undesirable modes, through which terahertz and IF power may be lost. Although slot-ringantennas, including air-bridges, have been used successflly at much lower frequencies, they present a fabrication and design challenge at terahertz frequencies. We have developed a complex fabrication technique for the construction of HEB devices at the terminals of air-bridge integrated slot-ring antennas.

Proceedings Title

Proc. Intl. Symp. on Space Terahertz Technol.

Conference Dates

May 2-4, 2005

Conference Location

Goteborg

Conference Title

International Symposium on Space Terahertz Technology

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

HEB devices, quasi-optoical coupling, slot-ring antenna, terahertz receivers.

Citation

Gu, D. , Gerecht, E. , Zhao, X. and Yngvesson, S. (2005), Air-Bridge Integrated Slot-Ring Antennas for HEB Devices: New Fabrication Techniques, Proc. Intl. Symp. on Space Terahertz Technol., Goteborg, -1, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=31998 (Accessed October 13, 2025)