Optically generated 60 GHz millimeter waves using AlGaAs/InGaAs HEMTs integrated with both quasi-optical antenna circuits and MMICs

Continuously tunable 49-67 GHz millimeter wave radiation has been generated using optical mixing in AlGaAs/InGaAs HEMTs integrated with both quasi-optical antenna circuits and multistage MMIC amplifiers. Using these systems, microwatt levels of millimeter wave power have been generated. A quantitative study of the signal strength versus bias, polarization, and light intensity was performed. In addition, the millimeter waves were modulated by applying an RF signal (< GHz) to the FET gate. Using this technique, tunable electrical sidebands were added to the optically generated 60 GHz carrier, thus providing a method of transmitting information.<
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