Comparison of Higher-Order Multipliers to Cascaded Doublers and Triplers in Submillimeter Signal Generation

A theoretical study using a full nonlinear analysis has been carried out on the feasibility of producing local oscillator power at frequencies 300-600 GHz by using Schottky-diode frequency multipliers. Solid state local oscillators are needed for space born radiotelescopes planned for operation in the beginning of the next century. A comparison has been made between the efficiencies of higher-order multipliers and cascaded doublers and triplers. In order to get experimental background for those theoretical studies a quadrupler for 140 GHz, a quintupler for 170 GHz and a doubler for 180 GHz were analyzed both theoretically and experimentally.