A Frequency-Multiplied Source With More Than 1 mW of Power Across the 840–900-GHz Band

Abstract

We report on the design, fabrication, and characterization of an 840-900-GHz frequency multiplier chain that delivers more than 1 mW across the band at room temperature with a record peak power of 1.4 mW at 875 GHz. When cooled to 120 K, the chain delivers up to 2 mW at 882 GHz. The chain consists of a power amplifier module that drives two cascaded frequency triplers. This unprecedented output power from an electronic source is achieved by utilizing in-phase power-combining techniques. The first stage tripler uses four power-combined chips while the last stage tripler utilizes two power-combined chips. The source output was analyzed with a Fourrer transform spectrometer to verify signal purity.