Design, modelling and simulation of a monolithic high-Tc superconducting terahertz mixer

This paper presents a novel concept and design of a full monolithic integrated high-T, superconducting (HTS) Josephson junction terahertz (THz) harmonic mixer coupled with a circularly polarized (CP) antenna. The fully on-chip mixer device is very compact in size and utilizes the CP antenna to enhance the polarization orientation flexibility in coupling THz radiation. Electromagnetic simulations are carried out to optimize the coupling efficiency and axial ratio of the THz CP antenna, and the signal transmission and isolation characteristics of the monolithic circuit. An equivalent circuit model of the HTS THz mixer is then established and simulation is performed based on our previously measured step-edge Josephson junction characteristics to evaluate the device performance and validate the concept of design. The results show that a superior performance could be achieved from such a monolithic HTS mixer device, which is significantly better than any HTS THz harmonic mixers reported to date.