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An all MMIC Replacement for Gunn Diode Oscillators

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNG05CA08C
Agency Tracking Number: 034699
Amount: $600,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: E1.04
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2003
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2004-12-14
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2006-12-14
Small Business Information
327-B West Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22963-2012
United States
DUNS: 788159445
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 David Porterfield
 Principal Investigator
 (434) 297-3257
 Porterfield@VADiodes.com
Business Contact
 Thomas Crowe
Title: Business Official
Phone: (434) 297-3257
Email: crowe@VADiodes.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The objective of this Phase II project is to develop and demonstrate a compact and reliable oscillator technology for the frequency band from 100 ? 250 GHz for use in terahertz local oscillators and transmitters. The new oscillators rely on MMIC technology that is reliable and robust, offers the best overall performance and will be suitable for volume production and commercialization. These oscillators meet immediate needs for NASA's Earth Science program, specifically for terahertz radiometers for studies of the atmosphere and climate change. The oscillators are also useful for a wide range of other scientific, military and emerging commercial applications. The Phase I study demonstrated the feasibility of the new oscillators through the development and demonstration of an oscillator at 146 GHz suitable as a driver for an 874 GHz cloud ice radiometer being developed at NASA/GSFC. This new component greatly exceeds the performance of any other commercially available oscillator technology while maintaining a compact size, power efficiency and all solid-state construction. The Phase II research is focused on achieving greater power for higher frequency terahertz sources, improving power efficiency, achieving more compact integration of the subcomponents and extending the basic design concept throughout the 100 ? 250 GHz band.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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