A Comparison of Continuous-Wave and Pulsed Free Space 2-Port Photonic Vector Network Analyzers for Terahertz Characterization

Photonic Vector Network Analyzers (PVNA) provide a viable solution to the rising demand for efficient, accurate, and affordable characterization instruments for benchmarking terahertz devices and components. This paper compares continuous-wave and pulsed versions of the free space 2-port PVNA and their aptitudes for THz characterization using a distributed Bragg reflector as an application example.