A submillimeter-wave planar diode mixer-design and evaluation

A 345-GHz mixer using a planar GaAs Schottky diode has been designed and tested. The design process used nonlinear and linear numerical mixer analysis as well as scale-model impedance measurements. Using a planar diode eliminates the disadvantages of mechanical instability and labor-intensive assembly associated with conventional whisker-contacted diodes. Test results indicate performance on the same level as that of the best whisker-contacted room-temperature mixers for submillimeter wavelengths.<
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