Local Oscillator Technologies for THz Instruments

Toyon is proposing to develop multiplier technology with record power handling in the 200 – 400 GHz output frequency range using Gallium Nitride (GaN) materials. This technology is needed to effectively utilize the high pump powers now available from mm-wave GaN power amplifiers. GaN has inherent material property advantages including high electric field strength, electron velocity, and thermal conductivity which will enable significant advances in multiplier power handling and performance, similar to how these material advantages led to advances in power amplifier technology. During this effort Toyon will analyze, optimize, and prototype novel GaN devices suited for this application. The prototypes will be characterized and modeled. Based on these models candidate multiplier designs will be investigated and analyzed. Toyon anticipates this technology will lead to mm-wave multipliers with input power handling over 1 watt and efficiency over 30%. It will be applicable to many CW signal source applications such as Terahertz local oscillators which are used in a wide range of mm-wave and THz systems including radio astronomy, spectroscopy, imaging, and communication systems.

Millimeter-wave multipliers will be of interest to NASA in a variety of commercial applications. The devices will provide robust, reliable, and efficient mm-wave power for next generation atmospheric monitoring satellites and radio astronomy telescopes. For example, the Global Precipitation Measurement System uses a 35.5 GHz radar paired with a Microwave Imager which can scan channels up to 183 GHz.

The Department of Defense is interested in THz imaging systems for the detection of concealed weapons. The medical industry is also interested in using THz imaging systems for burn wounds and cornea hydration. mm-Wave imaging is used for climate monitoring applications and measurements such as total precipitable water, snow cover, and sea ice extent. NOAA’s Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder is a good example.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.