A heterostructure barrier varactor sideband generator

A heterostructure barrier varactor (HBV) sideband generator (SBG) is investigated for the first time. Compared with Schottky varactor SBGs, odd sidebands are suppressed and higher output power is possible. Preliminary measurements at 200 GHz have shown conversion efficiencies of 10-15 dB over a 10 GHz tuning range. Simulations and theoretical models are presented to predict and confirm these results. The subharmonic SBG design described in this paper is scaleable to submillimeter wavelengths and can yield a highly tunable CW power source when used in conjunction with a fix-tuned laser.