Terahertz Test and Measurement: On Earth and Elsewhere

This talk will focus on the development of THz test and measurement techniques and methods based on the up- and down-conversion of microwave signals using the nonlinearity of the Schottky diode. Originally driven by niche scientific requirements, the technology was given a big push with the design, development, and construction of the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array) receivers. The development of tunerless broadband frequency multipliers up to 1 THz was a key enabler of the ALMA receivers. The tools and techniques acquired in this development (both in design and manufacture) led to frequency multipliers and mixers covering full waveguide bands without the use of mechanical tuning. This in combination with higher-frequency power amplifiers enabled the full transmitter and receiver chains required to extend the signal generation, spectrum analysis, and vector network analysis up to 1 THz and beyond. As the sub-millimeter spectrum gains more complex applications, the next generation of test equipment requires more advanced capabilities—such as high signal purity, power control and leveling, and noise figure measurements. And coming full circle, the test equipment developments have enabled novel highly integrated sub-millimeter receivers for planetary and atmospheric sensing on new CubeSat and other microSat platforms. Speaker(s): Dr. Eric W. Bryerton, ***CANCELED*** Room: Room 137, Bldg: McLennan Physical Labs, 255 Huron Street, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada