Abstract-Low-cost Terahertz Signals on Silicon Chips

MY NOTE: This is not new information to readers of this blog, but it was just posted in this format and it's certainly worthy of posting here. 
http://www.flintbox.com/public/project/22315/

Posted:Nov 9, 2012 1:58 PM

A mathematical model was developed to generate and process signals in the terahertz range at 10,000 times more power that previously possible, and all this with the inexpensive CMOS microchip technology used in many everyday electronic devices.
A mathematical model was developed to generate and process signals in the terahertz range at 10,000 times more power that previously possible, and all this with the inexpensive CMOS microchip technology used in many everyday electronic devices. Terahertz radiation, used in airport body scanners, promises a wide range of applications in communications as well as science and medicine, from detecting cancer and tooth decay to inspection food through its packaging. Such applications require a portable, low-power radiation source, but most terahertz sources are still bulky and expensive -- usually involving lasers and vacuum tubes, or more recently, compound semiconductors at lower terahertz frequencies -- none of which are cost-effective or suitable for integration of different digital blocks on the same chip.

The Cornell invention was demonstrated using CMOS technology, which offers low-cost, reliable fabrication of the entire analog/digital system. Remarkably, it can also be applied to other semiconductor processes and materials, with the same benefit of optimizing the output of virtually any circuit topology.               Potential Applications: Medical imaging, e.g. to detect tooth decay, skin cancer, cornea hydration, etc. Radar, e.g. UWB and compact range Communications, including short range, high data rate, broadband wireless access, etc. Remote sensing                                Advantages Maximizes signal power and frequency of circuit elements Compatible with virtually all semiconductor processes and materials (Si, GaN, etc.) Enables cost-effective, compact and portable terahertz radiation sources

  Researchers:   

Omeed Momeni

Ehsan Afshari

Additional Information

Momeni, O.; Afshari, E.; , "High Power Terahertz and Millimeter-Wave Oscillator Design: A Systematic Approach," Solid-State Circuits, IEEE Journal of , vol.46, no.3, pp.583-597, March 2011

Licensing Contact

Martin Teschl
mt439@cornell.edu
(607) 254-4454