Entwicklung neuartiger integrierter Terahertz-Systeme, die auf biomedizinische Anwendungen, Astronomie, Kommunikation und andere Bereiche ausgerichtet sind. Beispiele für Themen unter Forschungsbereich 3:

The main goal of the project is to utilize the combination of Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers (THz QCLs) with field-effect transistor (FET)-based THz devices for both power detection and as heterodyne receivers, at the target frequencies 2.0, 3.5 and 4.7 THz. These frequencies correspond to the emission lines of several gases which are of utmost importance for atmospheric and deep space research( e. g., O, OH, CO, NO, HO2) and do not have spectral features in the more readily accessible millimetre-wave band.

The use of the selected technologies is justified by the facts that THz QCLs represent compact yet powerful narrowband sources of radiation in 1-5 THz band of electromagnetic spectrum and University of Leeds occupies the leading position in its production. However, due to the lack of suitable detector or mixer technology for integration with laser source, the scope for QCL operation outside of specialized laboratories was limited. Fortunately a suitable solution in the form of FETs has emerged. FETs are rather easy to fabricate, can be obtained through collaboration or commercially, and are suitable for integration with QCLs to form compact spectroscopic systems. In addition, over a decade Goethe-University Frankfurt has gathered a broad expertise in developing and fabrication of these elements which happens to be of a great advantage for the current mission.

One of the main goals of the project is to provide the first compact, ultrafast and narrowband TeraFET detectors in 2 – 5 THz band, possessing a state-of-the-art noise-equivalent power ≤ 100 pW/√Hz up to 3.5 THz with directivities not lower than 16 dBi. As a result, we will be able to develop the first THz gas spectroscopy instrumentation capable of time-resolved narrowband analysis through the use of an integrable FET THz detector.

TeraFET Team:

Prof. Dr. Hartmut Roskos, roskos@physik.uni-frankfurt.de
Anastasiya Krysl, rysiavets@physik.uni-frankfurt.de

 

The ultimate goal of this project is to develop the first THz time-domain spectroscopy system (THz-TDS) for space applications. The envisioned THz system shall operate in the frequency range between 0.3 and 30 THz with a resolution of 100 GHz. It shall be based on a novel THz emitter, a novel THz detection scheme and shall have a maximum degree of photonic integration. The building blocks and their underlying concepts are chosen based on the following features: (i) They are photon-efficient and compatible with those femtosecond fiber lasers that are currently developed for operation in space. (ii) They can match the requirements of space applications such as compactness, minimal weight, minimal power consumption, radiation hardness, robustness against temperature and vibrations.

The current project should be seen as the first of two phases. In phase 1, we plan to work on the verification of fundamental concepts leading to proof-of-principle hardware components on the so-called breadboard level. In phase 2, a follow-up proposal within this SPP, we plan to develop a demonstrator device for a specific use case based on fully chip-integrated components.

ITISA Team:

Principal Investigators:
Prof. Michael Gensch, michael.gensch@tu-berlin.de
Prof. Dirk Plettemeier; dirk.plettemeier@tu-dresden.de
Prof. Tobias Kampfrath, tobias.kampfrath@fu-berlin.de

Members:
Dr. Nikola Stojanovic, nikola.stojanovic@dlr.de
Sujay Charania; sujay.charania@tu-dresden.de
Dr. Tom Seifert, tom.seifert@fu-berlin.de

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Silicon-based semiconductor technology offers the possibility of a high degree of integration and high performance at low mass and low electrical input power. Due to the robustness of SiGe-BiCMOS technology, it is an ideal candidate for space applications, especially for remote sensing atmospheres. It is also promising for biomedical applications such as respiratory gas analysis, as low gas concentrations can be detected with high sensitivity and a large number of different gases can be studied. The aim of this project is to develop integrated terahertz heterodyne spectrometers in SiGe-BiCMOS technology in the frequency band around 550 GHz for both applications. The frequency range is very relevant due to the strong absorption lines of many molecules in this band. Particularly interesting for remote sensing is a very strong transition of water at 557 GHz. The remote sensing spectrometer is intended for use on a small weather balloon or in a CubeSat. CubeSats are standardized, very small, cost-effective satellites with a very limited budget for size, weight and performance. To demonstrate the feasibility of the remote sensing spectrometer, we will perform a measurement of absorption lines in the Earth's atmosphere from a small weather balloon. The ability to perform breath analysis at 550 GHz is also demonstrated by a case study. As an outlook on future developments, we will also develop a receiver who works at 1.1 THz. This is to be characterized and used for first spectroscopy experiments. This project represents an important step for the further development of high-frequency circuits and towards a compact and powerful terahertz heterodyne spectrometer for applications in space and biomedicine.

SiTeSpec Team:

Principal Investigators:
 Prof. Dr. Corrado Carta, carta@ihp-microelectronics.com 
 Prof. Dr. Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers, heinz-wilhelm.huebers@dlr.de 

Members:
Dr. Batuhan Sütbas, suetbas@ihp-microelectronics.com 
Lukas Jehna, lukas.jehna@dlr.de 
Nick Rothbart,  Nick.Rothbart@dlr.de 
Daniele Ursini, ursini@ihp-microelectronics.com 

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