Search

Traditional technologies for far-infrared (FIR) spectroscopy generally involve bulky dispersive optics. Integrated filter bank spectrometers promise more compact designs, but implementations using superconducting transmission line networks become lossy at terahertz frequencies. We describe a novel on-chip spectrometer architecture designed to extend this range. A filter bank spectrometer is implemented using vacuum waveguide etched into a silicon wafer stack. A single trunk line feeds an array of resonant cavities, each coupled to a kinetic inductance detector fabricated on an adjacent wafer. We discuss the design and fabrication of a prototype implementation, initial test results at ambient temperature, and prospects for future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The next generation of far infrared space observatories will require extremely sensitive detectors that can be realized only by combining extremely low intrinsic noise with high optical efficiency. We have measured the broad-band optical response of ultra-sensitive transtion edge sensor (TES) bolometers (NEP ≈ 2aW/√Hz) in the 30-60-μm band where radiation is coupled to the detectors with a few-moded conical feedhorn and a hemispherical backshort. We show that these detectors have an optical efficiency of 60% (the ratio of the power detected by the TES bolometer to the total power propagating through the feedhorn). We find that the measured optical efficiency can be understood in terms of the modes propagating through the feedhorn with the aid of a spatial mode-filtering technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present the theoretical analysis of the effects of standing waves between coupled horn antennas that can occur in terahertz quasi-optical systems. In particular we iIlustrate the approach for the case of two coupled horn antennas as the distance between them is varied. The full mode matching scattering matrix approach is based on combining a standard wave-guide mode description of the horn antenna and a quasi-optical Gaussian beam description of the free space propagation. hack is kept of both the backward and forward going components of the propagating fields. We compare theoretical predictions with actual experimental test results for a quasi-optical system operating at a frequency of 0.480 Thz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compact quasi-optics are difficult to design with any confidence using techniques developed for visible wavelengths. In this paper we investigate the performance of existing software design tools (ASAP, CODE V, GLAD) as well as a Gaussian beam mode analysis technique not yet available as commercial software. We have devised a set of test cases and used these to study the underlying methodologies and physics of these packages and we probe their suitability for the analysis of submillimetre-wave systems and components. We have used the physical optics package GRASP as our benchmark software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the analysis of phase gratings as passive quasi-optical multiplexing devices. One important application of such components is in the local oscillator injection chain of heterodyne array receivers. Gaussian beam mode analysis can be applied as a powerful tool when modelling the optical performance of phase gratings in a real submillimeter system of finite throughput and bandwidth. In our experimental investigations we have concentrated on the Dammann Grating (DG) which is a binary optical component and thus straightforward to manufacture. A number of quartz gratings were fabricated and carefully tested to evaluate the practical limitations of such quasi-optical components. Because of its convenient refractive index quartz can be used to produce gratings with very low reflection losses. The results presented confirm DGs to be particularly suitable multiplexers for sparse arrays of finite bandwidth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]