Heterodyne receivers have been demonstrated to frequencies as high a 4.7THz. These are generally used for radio astronomy from airborne or space platforms. A specific requirement for these systems is the local oscillator sources used to pump the frequency mixer. A present goal is the development of array receivers, which greatly increase the data collecting capabilities of observatories, but also require more power than can be generated with present solid-state sources. The development of higher power sources in the frequency range around 300GHz is a critical step that is required to enable the development of array receivers for astronomy in the terahertz band.
Non-NASA commercial applications include the NMR-DNP and EPR measurements for chemistry and high power sources for reflectometry measurements for plasma diagnostic systems for nuclear fusion experiments. More commercially, higher power solid-state sources can be used in imaging systems; for portal security, collision avoidance radars, fire-fighting, and industrial process control and monitoring. Higher power sources in this frequency band are a critical step in achieving a technology that will allow the full use of the terahertz frequency range for scientific, defense, security and industrial applications.
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