Terahertz Test and Measurement: On Earth and Elsewhere
Abstract: This talk will focus on the development of THz test and measurement techniques and methods based on the up- and down-conversion of microwave signals using the nonlinearity of the Schottky diode. Originally driven by niche scientific requirements, the technology was given a big push with the design, development, and construction of the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array) receivers. The development of tunerless broadband frequency multipliers up to 1 THz was a key enabler of the ALMA receivers. The tools and techniques acquired in this development (both in design and manufacture) led to frequency multipliers and mixers covering full waveguide bands without the use of mechanical tuning. This in combination with higher-frequency power amplifiers enabled the full transmitter and receiver chains required to extend the signal generation, spectrum analysis, and vector network analysis up to 1 THz and beyond. As the sub-millimeter spectrum gains more complex applications, the next generation of test equipment requires more advanced capabilities—such as high signal purity, power control and leveling, and noise figure measurements. And coming full circle, the test equipment developments have enabled novel highly integrated sub-millimeter receivers for planetary and atmospheric sensing on new CubeSat and other microSat platforms.
Bio: Dr. Eric W. Bryerton received his BS in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and his PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder. From 1999-2013, he was a research engineer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) where he was responsible for the design, development, and construction of the 30-950 GHz local oscillator system for ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array. Since joining VDI in 2013, Dr. Bryerton has been applying the development of highly integrated sub-millimeter and THz modules to many other research areas besides radio astronomy, including sub-millimeter test equipment extender modules, CubeSat atmospheric studies, ITER plasma diagnostics, and high-data-rate millimeter-wave communications. He is currently the Vice President for Engineering at Virginia Diodes, Inc.
Media Contact: Iam-Choon Khoo