Researchers at Chalmers have succeeded in combining a receiver for high frequencies with an antenna on a small chip. Measuring just a few square millimeters, the receiver integrates an antenna, low-noise amplifier, and frequency converter, monolithically integrated on gallium arsenide.
The receiver is designed to operate at 220 GHz, and could attain frequencies greater than 300 GHz in the future, according to Herbert Zirath, professor at the department of Microwave Electronics. "Our result opens the possibility to manufacture systems for very high frequencies within the so-called 'THZ-electronics' area, at relatively low cost. In the next phase of this project, even more functions can be integrated on the same chip," Zirath said.
Researchers expect the receiver to find use in radiometer systems in future safety systems looking for concealed weapons. Other possible applications include imaging sensors that can look through darkness, smoke, or fog -- an important safety function for automobiles and aircraft. The technology could also find use in wireless data communication because, due to the very high bandwidth, data rates above 10 Gbit/s are possible in future radio links.
