A 600GHz High Power Tripler for Space Applications

Abstract

Several recent space missions have required un-cooled receivers for radiometer use above 500GHz for atmosphere probing. These include MetOP 2nd generation meteorological satellites and Jupiter Moons JUICE spacecraft. The preferred technology for these missions is high performance (uncooled) Schottky balanced mixer but producing the necessary Local Oscillator (LO) pump power is a formidable challenge. This paper outlines the design of a 600GHz tripler, capable of providing in excess of 5mW, capable of driving a sub-harmonic Schottky mixer for 1.2THz. The project is part of ESA initiative AO-6649 to develop key technologies for high power, high frequency Local Oscillator sources for future space missions.