A Vivaldi antenna based W-band MUTC photodiode driven radiator

Microwave photonic radiators provide wide bandwidths and high powers at mm-wave frequencies that can be utilized in extremely high throughput wireless communications, and high resolution millimeter wave imaging systems where their rugged, compact designs enable integration into large scale millimeter wave phased arrays. This work presents the design, implementation and measurement of a millimeter wave radiator that demonstrates high frequency, high effective isotropic radiated power operation. It utilizes a wideband Vivaldi antenna sandwiched between AlN substrates as well as a high power, high frequency modified uni-traveling carrier (MUTC) photodetector that provides high output power levels above 100GHz. Additionally, the end lire beams characteristic of 2D tapered slotlines such as the Vivaldi are amenable to implementation in antenna arrays. The antenna was designed and simulated in HFSS, where its impedance was optimized for integration with a MUTC photodetector for operation between 100 and 110 GHz. The radiator presented achieves a measured effective isotropic radiated power of -1.5 dBm driven by an unsaturated photodetector with a 6 dB bandwidth of 14 GHz without the use of a silicon lens or a 3D horn antenna.