Simulations for membrane-based HEB mixers in array configuration for SHAHIRA

Jean Baubert; Morvan Salez; Harald F. Merkel; Patrick Pons; Yan Delorme; Benoit Lecomte

doi:10.1117/12.550041

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8 October 2004 Simulations for membrane-based HEB mixers in array configuration for SHAHIRA

Jean Baubert, Morvan Salez, Harald F. Merkel, Patrick Pons, Yan Delorme, Benoit Lecomte

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Proceedings Volume 5498, Millimeter and Submillimeter Detectors for Astronomy II; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.550041
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2004, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

We present in this paper the front-end design and the results of RF simulations, carried out with Microwave Studio (CST) and HFSS for SHAHIRA (Submillimeter Heterodyne Array for High-speed Radio Astronomy), a 4x4 heterodyne array at 2.5 THz and 4.7 THz. One can then observe 16 spatial positions at 2 frequencies. The design has been chosen to be quasi-optic, because of its simplicity, novelty and multi-pixels applicability. Pixels are made of Niobium Nitride HEB mixers with double-slot antennas, processed on 1 μm thick stress-less Si₃N₄/SiO₂ membrane. The use of the membrane shows numerous advantages: for instance the use of the mixers at higher RF frequencies, a better power coupling efficiency or a solution for avoiding dielectric modes, losses and reflections. This work is supported by ESA and is a collaboration between LERMA, CHALMERS and LAAS. The Camera is expected to find applications, for SOFIA or CIDRE.

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Jean Baubert, Morvan Salez, Harald F. Merkel, Patrick Pons, Yan Delorme, and Benoit Lecomte "Simulations for membrane-based HEB mixers in array configuration for SHAHIRA", Proc. SPIE 5498, Millimeter and Submillimeter Detectors for Astronomy II, (8 October 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.550041

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