Title :
Investigation of subharmonic mixer based on a quantum barrier device
Author :
Liu, W.Y. ; Steenson, David Paul
Author_Institution :
Sch. of Electr. Eng., Leeds Univ., UK
fDate :
4/1/2000 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
This paper presents our findings on novel subharmonic mixers using quantum barrier devices. These devices appear to be ideally suited to terahertz operation because of their highly nonlinear and predictable characteristics. Analytical evidence, together with experimental proof-of-principle results, is presented for a quantum-barrier-device mixer in order to demonstrate the result of intrinsic effects that effectively control the device nonlinearities and, therefore, the mixing performance. Such behavior is not found in Schottky junctions, and can be used to provide efficient subharmonic operation at terahertz frequencies with the significant advantage of permitting the use of very low levels of local-oscillator power
Keywords :
negative resistance devices; quantum interference devices; submillimetre wave mixers; device nonlinearities; intrinsic effects; local-oscillator power; mixing performance; quantum barrier device; subharmonic mixer; subharmonic operation; terahertz operation; Capacitance; Control nonlinearities; Design for quality; Electric variables; Frequency; Local oscillators; Performance analysis; Power system harmonics; Schottky diodes; Variable speed drives;
Journal_Title :
Microwave Theory and Techniques, IEEE Transactions on