Optoelectronic Generation and Sensing of Millimeter Waves

Broadband tapered slot antennas, monolithically integrated with picosecond optoelectronic switches, are used to generate, control and sense millimeter wave radiation. These devices can be easily integrated with millimeter wave circuit components due to their planar geometry. This method of transmitting information eliminates many of the limitations inherent with transmission line structures and demonstrates the potential for controlling extremely wideband electrical signals.