New concepts for a Photonic Vector Network Analyzer based on THz heterodyne phase-coherent techniques

The scheme for a Photonic Vector Network Analyzer (PVNA) up to THz frequencies is presented. It is based on the combination of a continuous wave (CW) THz photonic transmitter and a CW THz photonic front-end receiver that serve as THz interface extensions for a radiofrequency Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). The proposed PVNA would be able to perform measurements in the THz range where both magnitude and phase are directly measured, eliminating all the delays associated with typical time domain schemes by adding phase control and measurement to existing photonic THz heterodyne receivers. The proposed scheme makes use of COTS components to achieve a compact and cost effective system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scheme for vectorial measurements of THz radiation using a photonic approach for both generation and detection, combining in a single scheme the RF, THz and optical frequency regions.