First Demonstration of an All-Solid-State Room Temperature 2-THz Front End Viable for Space Applications

In this article, we introduce a groundbreaking 2-THz front end suitable for space use, operating at room temperature. Our objective is to measure high-altitude 3-D winds for precise Sun–earth energy coupling analysis. Employing Schottky-diode-based mixers and multipliers, we have developed a solid-state receiver with double-sideband sensitivity below 8000 K. This sensitivity enables the measurement of atomic oxygen in the approximate 100–200-km altitude range. Our approach encompasses design, fabrication, and sensitivity assessment of the receiver front end.