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IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
Volume 48 Number 4, April 2000

Table of Contents for this issue

Complete paper in PDF format

A 2.5-THz Receiver Front End for Spaceborne Applications

Michael C. Gaidis, Herbert M. Pickett, Member, IEEE C. D. Smith, Suzanne C. Martin, Associate Member, IEEE R. Peter Smith, Member, IEEE and Peter H. Siegel Senior Member, IEEE

Page 733.

Abstract:

The OH radical is an important player in known ozone depletion cycles; however, due to its location in the atmosphere, it must be studied from either a balloon or spaceborne platform. For long-term mapping over large portions of the earth, a spaceborne platform is the most desirable. NASA's Earth Observing System Microwave Limb Sounder instrument is slated to house a 2.5-THz Schottky-diode receiver for such measurements. In this paper, we describe the design, fabrication, and testing of the receiver front end. Measured double-sideband (DSB) receiver noise temperatures of better than 9000 K are reproducibly achieved with all devices of our best design. Estimated mixer noise is 3500-K DSB for optimal bias conditions and at room temperature. Selected components will be used in the first terahertz heterodyne receiver to be flown in space.

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