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Maestrini, Alain

Publications and source records attributed to Maestrini, Alain.

22 records · Page 2

Design of a Wideband 6-Anode Frequency Tripler at 300 GHz with Optimum Balance

We report on the design methodology of a fix-tuned split-block waveguide balanced frequency tripler working nominally at 300 GHz. It features six GaAs Schottky planar diodes in a balanced configuration. The circuit will be fabricated with JPL membrane technology in order to minimize dielectric loading and insure an accurate and uniform thickness of the substrate. The multiplier power handling is limited by the breakdown voltage of the diodes that depends on the doping level of the active layer. With six diodes, the current choice for the doping level leads to medium power handling capabilities of about 50 mW. Increasing the number of diodes to eight would be an option but would lead to increased difficulties in design and fabrication.

Schottky diode multipliers↗

Tunable All-Solid-State Local Oscillators to 1900 GHz

We present a status report of an ongoing effort to develop robust tunable all-solid-state sources up to 1900 GHz for the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far Infrared (HIFI) on the Herschel Space Observatory. GaAs based multi-chip power amplifier modules at W-band are used to drive cascaded chains of multipliers. We have demonstrated performance from chains comprised of four doublers up to 1600 GHz as well as from a x2x3x3 chain to 1900 GHz. Measured peak output power of 23 (micro)W at 1782 GHz and 2.6 (micro)W at 1900 GHz has been achieved when the multipliers are cooled to 120K. The 1900 GHz tripler was pumped with a four anode tripler that produces a peak of 4 mW at 630 GHz when cooled to 120 K. We believe that these sources can now be used to pump hot electron bolometer (HEB) heterodyne mixers.ter (HEB) heterodyne mixers.

local oscillator↗