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Arrays and New Antenna Topologies for Increasing THz Power Generation Using Photomixers

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Abstract

Power limitations in CW THz generation imposed by conventional photomixers (“antenna emitters”, AEs) are the major drawbacks on THz generation. From the antenna point of view, two different strategies are proposed to increase the generated power: optimized arrays and lenses arrangements and the use of new dielectric horn antennas. Then, using multiple small lenses, one per each single element, instead of a large one, bigger than the array, makes the generated power much higher. In addition, horn antennas etched in the substrate are considered in order to reduce the energy distribution scattering. Finally, some manufacturing issues are discussed.

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Acknowledgment

This work was partially granted by CICYT NeoImag TEC2009-14525-C01 and CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010 CSD2008-00068. The work of Javier Montero-de-Paz was supported by the Spanish Education Minister under the program FPU (AP2009-4679). The work of Eduardo Ugarte-Muñoz was supported by the Spanish Economy Minister under the program FPI (BES2010-037676). Prof. G. Dohler work was granted by "Cátedras de Excelencia" from Banco Santander. Daniel Segovia-Vargas has been supported by Cajamadrid grants.

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Correspondence to Alejandro Rivera-Lavado or Luis Enrique García-Muñoz.

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Rivera-Lavado, A., García-Muñoz, L.E., Dohler, G. et al. Arrays and New Antenna Topologies for Increasing THz Power Generation Using Photomixers. J Infrared Milli Terahz Waves 34, 97–108 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10762-013-9954-x

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