Technique of Broadband Measurements of Frequency Conversion Efficiency for Each Harmonique in Frequency Multipliers up to Terahertz Range

Abstract

The paper describes technique of quantitative analysis of a millimeter- and submillimeter-wave range multipliers performance in particular the measurement of the frequency conversion efficiency. The output power on each harmonic produced by the multiplier can be measured separately without any changes in the setup even in the case of simultaneous emission of all harmonics including the fundamental in a frequency range up to 1 THz and well above. The measuring technique primarily developed for high resolution microwave spectroscopy is based on absorption of radiation in spectral lines of rarefied sample gas and photo-acoustic method of the absorption detection. Sensitivity independence of the detection method on frequency and well known spectral parameters of the lines provide the technique with broadbandness, high spectral resolution and power measurement reliability. Principal limits of measurable radiation power may vary from nanowatts up to hundreds of watts. The technique permits real time operation convenient, e.g., for multiplier tuning. Practical examples include measurements of harmonic generation efficiency of multipliers of 78-118 GHz fundamental frequency range, and power measurement up to 6-th harmonic of 230 GHz fundamental radiation of phase locked Backward Wave Oscillator (BWO).