Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MICROWAVE AND WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES
Volume 11, Issue 9, Pages 909-917Publisher
CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1017/S175907871900028X
Keywords
Supra-terahertz; dual diagonal feedhorn; quantum-cascade laser; heterodyne; radiometer; earth observation
Funding
- European Space Agency General Support and Technology Programme (GSTP) [4000114487/15/NL/AF]
- UK Space Agency Centre for Earth Observation and Instrumentation (CEOI) [RP10G0435A03]
- UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [EP/J017671/1, EP/P021859/1]
- Royal Society (Wolfson Research Merit Award) [WM150029]
- EPSRC [EP/P021859/1, EP/P006930/1, EP/P022464/1, EP/S019367/1] Funding Source: UKRI
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Antenna-pattern measurements obtained from a double-metal supra-terahertz-frequency (supra-THz) quantum cascade laser (QCL) are presented. The QCL is mounted within a mechanically micro-machined waveguide cavity containing dual diagonal feedhorns. Operating in continuous-wave mode at 3.5 THz, and at an ambient temperature of similar to 60 K, QCL emission has been directed via the feedhorns to a supra-THz detector mounted on a multi-axis linear scanner. Comparison of simulated and measured far-field antenna patterns shows an excellent degree of correlation between beamwidth (full-width-half-maximum) and sidelobe content and a very substantial improvement when compared with unmounted devices. Additionally, a single output has been used to successfully illuminate and demonstrate an optical breadboard arrangement associated with a future supra-THz Earth observation space-borne payload. Our novel device has therefore provided a valuable demonstration of the effectiveness of supra-THz diagonal feedhorns and QCL devices for future space-borne ultra-high-frequency Earth-observing heterodyne radiometers.
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