A Ku-band diode-array frequency tripler

The authors present a diode-grid frequency tripler based on an array of bowtie antennas. The array permits DC biasing of the varactors and is scalable to millimeter and submillimeter wave frequencies. The tripler produced an output power of approximately 40 mW at 15 GHz with an efficiency of 14%. In addition, the circuit models for the linear components in the tripler were verified with quasi-optical S-parameter measurements. Simulations with the multiplier circuit model show that the efficiency of the tripler can be improved with external dielectric tuning slabs and input optics to focus the incident power. This multiplier grid has served as a proof-of-concept demonstration and is the initial step in the design of a fully monolithic 160 GHz tripler array.