High Pulsed Power Varactor Multipliers for Imaging

We will focus our diode based multiplier technologies toward achieving a source suitable for the NIST imaging system in the 200 ¿ 400 GHz band. To date our best doubler to 200 GHz generates up to 55 mW of (CW) power with 30% efficiency and 15% (3dB) bandwidth. However, the NIST imaging system requires pulsed performance with more than an order of magnitude higher peak input power. Thus, the multipliers must be fundamentally redesigned. This will include optimization of components for pulsed operation, a vast increase in the peak power handling and reconsideration of the fundamental design trade-offs. Through our innovative terahertz integrated circuit designs and fabrication technologies we will create an innovative new multiplier that will enable the final development of the proposed NIST imaging system and also be useful for a host of other important scientific and commercial applications.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: At Virginia Diodes we believe that the terahertz frequency range will be equally as useful as the microwave and infrared bands are today, once a suitable technology base has been established. Through previous SBIR support we have developed a range of CW sources. This proposed SBIR effort will allow us to extend our expertise into high peak power sources that will be useful for imaging systems, pulsed ESR experiments and plasma diagnostics measurements. There is now a very serious need for improved security at airports and other portals. Our pulsed sources will play an important role in making terahertz imaging technologically feasible. We foresee a major commercial market for imaging systems that will require the type of compact, reliable and affordable sources we propose.