Sensitive, Compact 1x8 Array 530-600 GHz Receiver

About this technology

Overview

High-resolution heterodyne-based millimeter-wave spectrometers are used in remote sensing for studying planetary atmospheres. Currently, single-pixel receivers in the submillimeter-wave range provide incomplete information on molecular targets that require simultaneous measurement of differential tangential heights (e.g., molecules with variations in their distribution, pressure, and temperature-dependent spectral features). This increases the time needed to perform a scan using bulky and high power-consumption mechanisms in order to provide accurate atmospheric molecular measurements. Additionally, the narrow intermediate frequency (IF) bandwidth of current receiver technology limits the frequency window of molecular detection during the receiver down-conversation process. These limitations in receiver technology (e.g., bulky systems, high power consumption, limited IF bandwidth) hinder the the development of miniaturized spaceborne atmospheric remote sensing instruments that can be integrated and flown on small satellites. In response to this need, innovators at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center have developed a compact, sensitive, wideband and multi-pixel receiver to down-convert many molecular species simultaneously in the 530-600 GHz frequency range.