Incoherent Power Combining of THz Source Arrays
In this paper, we investigate the multi-chip scaling of a previously developed incoherent 4×4-pixel 0.53-THz 1mW source array, implemented in a 0.13-μ m SiGe BiCMOS technology. A standalone module under-samples the illumination space due to a large pixel pitch given by the implemented triple-push oscillator topology coupled with narrow pixel beams. Therefore, we present the concept of super-array configurations by arranging multiple source arrays, achieving an increased fill factor, increased radiated power, and wider illumination aperture. Moreover, such super-array configurations can help to reduce the influence of spurious reflections at THz frequencies by providing a diffused radiation. For a 2×1 super-array, the 10-dB fill factor increased from 10.9 to 61.8% while maintaining the illumination aperture; and the net radiated power doubled to 2 mW (3 dBm). For a 2×2 super-array, the illumination aperture quadrupled; the radiated power and the 10-dB fill factor at 0.53 THz were 4 mW (6 dBm) and 46.1%, respectively.
This document is the accepted manuscript version that has been published in final form in: 2019 44th International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves (IRMMW-THz). https://doi.org/10.1109/IRMMW-THz.2019.8874075
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