InAs Schottky Diode Based Mixers for Submillimeter-wave Heterodyne Instruments, Year 1

Innovation is to use InAs rather than GaAs for the mixer. This is enabled by a new techinique for

Develop the next generation of terahertz mixer that requires one tenth of pump power. This can enable a multi-pixel terahertz instrument (for comet mapping, wind measurement on planetary atmospheres). Reducing the power requirement on the oscillator of submillimeter-wave spectrometers has the potential to enable a submillimeter-wave imaging capability rather than point measurements. This could capture spatial characteristics of observed phenomena. A second potential benefit of this work is to eliminate the need for cryogenics, which will reduce power, mass, and cost requirements for submillimeter (terahertz) spectrometers, applicable to Earth remote-sensing missions, planetary missions and astrophysics observatories.

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.