Effect of idler terminations on the conversion loss for THz Schottky diode harmonic mixers
Paper in proceeding, 2019

Efficient and reliable frequency converters, preferably operating at room temperature, are critical components for frequency-stabilizing terahertz sources. In this work, we present the analysis of optimum configurations for Schottky diode-based x4, x6, and x8 harmonic mixers operating at 2.3 THz, 3.5 THz, and 4.7 THz respectively. Detailed large-signal analysis of the two basic single-ended Z- and Y-mixers was carried out using a standard Schottky-diode model. For each case, the conversion loss was minimized by finding optimal embedding impedances at RF, LO, and IF frequencies. The analysis shows that the Y-mixer has less conversion loss at a low LO pump power. However, the Z-mixer provides reduced loss with increasing harmonic index and pump power due to the associated power dissipation in idler circuits. The results provide preliminary design guidelines for room- temperature frequency converters and their use in phase-locked loop applications.

Harmonic mixers

Phase-locking

Schottky diodes

QCL

Author

Divya Jayasankar

Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Terahertz and Millimetre Wave Laboratory

GigaHertz Centre

Jan Stake

GigaHertz Centre

Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Terahertz and Millimetre Wave Laboratory

Peter Sobis

Omnisys Instruments

Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Terahertz and Millimetre Wave Laboratory

International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves, IRMMW-THz

21622027 (ISSN) 21622035 (eISSN)

Vol. 2019-September 8873938

44th International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves
Paris, France,

THz Schottky diode mixers for high resolution FIR spectroscopy

Swedish National Space Board (170/17), 2018-01-01 -- 2019-12-31.

Areas of Advance

Information and Communication Technology

Infrastructure

Kollberg Laboratory

Subject Categories

Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering

DOI

10.1109/IRMMW-THz.2019.8873938

More information

Latest update

10/22/2020