Design and fabrication of a terahertz time domain vector network analyzer for material and device characterization

用于材料和器件表征的太赫兹时域矢量网络分析仪的设计和制造

• 批准号: RGPIN-2022-03277
• 负责人: Smith, Robert
• 金额: $ 1.89万
• 依托单位: University of Victoria
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=752275
• 关键词: Design; fabrication; terahertz; time; domain

This proposal focuses on the development and fabrication of an optoelectronic terahertz system-on-chip (TSoC) time--domain vector network analyzer (TSoC--TDVNA). The TSoC--TDVNA is a device that measures the complex scattering parameters of electronic components and materials up to 3--4 THz. The objective of the proposed research program is to expand upon our prior work and develop the TSoC--TDVNA into an enabling, innovative, and essential platform. To achieve this goal, we will begin by scaling microwave/mm--wave components into the THz range to demonstrate unique functionality. Our prior work began this process but focused on measuring the transmission magnitude (i.e., a scalar network analyzer) which provided valuable information, but the method lacked the phase information necessary to characterize important parameters such as effective permittivity and permeability. The proposed TSoC-TDVNA will inherently resolve phase information and extend the capabilities of current systems. This task faces many challenges (design, fabrication, and experimental) which require novel solutions to retain high spectral resolution and dynamic range in an ultra--wideband system. This research program will have significant impact due to the invention of a low-cost THz-bandwidth vector network analyzer, a device which currently does not exist. Another key component of this proposal is to promote multidisciplinary THz research. We will integrate microfluidic channels into TSoC--TDVNA platform to create unique avenue to foster collaboration with chemistry, biology, and medical departments. We term this device a TSoC-microfluidic test bench or TSoC-µFTB. The TSoC-µFTB will integrate and simplify complexities which are inherent to standard THz spectroscopy systems. For example, many liquids are highly absorptive at THz frequencies, thus careful control of sample interaction region (± 5 µm) is necessary to achieve optimal sensitivity - the proposed TSoC-µFTB provides a novel solution to this issue.

该提案重点是开发和制造光电片片（TSOC）时间 - 域矢量网络分析仪（TSOC-TDVNA）。 TSOC--TDVNA是一种测量电子组件和材料的复杂散射参数的设备，最高为3--4 THz。拟议的研究计划的目的是扩大我们先前的工作，并将TSOC--TDVNA发展为有利，创新和基本平台。为了实现这一目标，我们将首先将微波/mm缩放到THZ范围内，以展示独特的功能。我们先前的工作开始了这个过程，但专注于测量传输幅度（即标量网络分析仪），该幅度提供了有价值的信息，但是该方法缺乏表征重要参数（例如有效介电常数和渗透率）所需的相位信息。提出的TSOC-TDVNA将继承解决相信息并扩展当前系统的功能。这项任务面临许多挑战（设计，制造和实验性），这些挑战需要新颖的解决方案，以保留高光谱分辨率和在超宽带系统中的高光谱分辨率和动态范围。由于目前不存在的设备，该研究计划将产生重大影响。该提案的另一个关键组成部分是促进多学科的THZ研究。我们将将微流体渠道集成到TSOC--TDVNA平台中，以创建独特的途径，以促进与化学，生物学和医疗部门的合作。我们将此设备称为TSOC微流体测试台或TSOC-µFTB。 TSOC-µFTB将整合并简化继承为标准THZ光谱系统的复杂性。例如，许多液体在THZ频率下具有高吸收性，因此需要仔细控制样品相互作用区域（±5 µM）以实现最佳敏感性 - 拟议的TSOC -µFTB为该问题提供了新的解决方案。