TERACOMP

Terahertz heterodyne receiver components for future European space missions

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Sub-millimetre wave or terahertz heterodyne receivers are key instruments for many space applications. For example, they are required for monitoring of the earth’s atmosphere or detection of molecules that might be tracers of life on other planets or moons. However, key components of these systems are currently supplied from outside Europe and performance as well as mass and power requirements often prohibit the implementation. The TeraComp project aims at developing European industrial level capability to design and manufacture terahertz front-end electronics based on high frequency Schottky diodes, Heterostructure Barrier Varactor (HBV) diodes and mHEMT MMICs for space and other applications. The prototype components will be integrated into a compact 557 GHz heterodyne receiver and evaluated for space instrument applications. The front-end demonstrator consists of a low noise 557 GHz subharmonic Schottky diode mixer, a 275 GHz Heterostructure Barrier Varactor frequency tripler and a 92 GHz mHEMT power amplifiers and a 15 to 92 GHz 6x multiplier as part of the local oscillator chain. This development will significantly contribute to mass and power reduction and it will improve the performance of terahertz heterodyne receivers. In addition, the dependence on critical technologies and capabilities from outside Europe for future space applications will be reduced.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Scientists are developing critical technology for future European space missions. The electronic systems will facilitate independence from non-EU suppliers, improving performance at a reduced price.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Space exploration is largely dependent on detecting various forms of electromagnetic radiation, light waves formed by photons of different frequencies and energies travelling long distances across the Universe to detectors. These include photons at frequencies in the terahertz (THz) or sub-millimetre range.

THz radiation is also readily absorbed by water and can be used to distinguish between samples of varying water content. In this respect, THz receivers are also critical for monitoring the Earth's atmosphere and detecting molecules that could be indicative of life on other planets or moons.

Detecting high-frequency THz signals from very far away is a challenge. Heterodyne receivers have been successful in providing the frequency resolution and power sensitivity required of such studies. However, to date key components of such receivers are supplied from outside the EU. In addition, mass and power limitations often prohibit application in specific planned space missions.

Scientists are addressing both these issues with EU funding of the 'Terahertz heterodyne receiver components for future European space missions' (Teracomp) project. They are developing industrial-scale capability for design and manufacture of THz electronics for space applications.

During the first year, excellent progress was achieved with respect to Schottky diodes. These specialised diodes are used in high-frequency applications and are critical to the THz receiver systems. Scientists devoted much effort to process development as well as to modelling and characterisation of the diodes. The team is now focused on optimising individual components.

Teracomp is expected have important impact on the competitiveness of the EU electronics industry as well as on EU space exploration.