Analysis and optimization of millimeter-and submillimeter-wavelength mixer diodes
Abstract
An analysis of the noise of millimeter- and submillimeter-wavelength mixers with GaAs Schottky diodes is presented. This analysis accounts for the correlation of the downconverted components of the time-varying hot-electron noise in the series resistance, and is thus accurate even for cryogenically cooled mixers operated at submillimeter wavelengths. This paper shows that the terms of the series-resistance noise correlation matrix are functions of the Fourier coefficients of the squared diode current rather than the square of the Fourier coefficients of the diode current, as has been previously presented in the literature. The analysis is used to evaluate the optimization of cryogenic mixer diodes. It is shown that minimization of the diode's I-V slope parameter is more critical than reduction of the parasitic elements for millimeter-wavelength operation, while at frequencies above 600 GHz the junction capacitance is the most crucial parameter. Experimental results from several research groups working with a variety of mixers are presented to substantiate these results.
- Publication:
-
IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory Techniques
- Pub Date:
- February 1987
- DOI:
- 10.1109/TMTT.1987.1133618
- Bibcode:
- 1987ITMTT..35..159C
- Keywords:
-
- Microwave Equipment;
- Mixing Circuits;
- Schottky Diodes;
- Semiconductor Diodes;
- Cryogenic Equipment;
- Gallium Arsenides;
- Millimeter Waves;
- Noise Temperature;
- Submillimeter Waves;
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering