A wideband radiometer module for an unamplified direct detection scalable W-band imaging array

James H. Schaffner; Jonathan J. Lynch; Keith V. Guinn; Joel N. Schulman; Harris P. Moyer; Ross Bowen; Marcel Musni

doi:10.1117/12.776893

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18 April 2008 A wideband radiometer module for an unamplified direct detection scalable W-band imaging array

James H. Schaffner, Jonathan J. Lynch, Keith V. Guinn, Joel N. Schulman, Harris P. Moyer, Ross Bowen, Marcel Musni

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Proceedings Volume 6948, Passive Millimeter-Wave Imaging Technology XI; 694807 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.776893
Event: SPIE Defense and Security Symposium, 2008, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

A W-band unamplified direct detection radiometer module is described that provides a wideband response and is scalable to large arrays. The radiometer design is intended to provide sufficient sensitivity for millimeter wave imaging applications with a goal of 2K noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) at a 30 Hz frame rate. This effort leverages previously reported device scaling to increase sensitivity. We present a radiometer module designed for 60 GHz RF bandwidth that utilizes HRL's antimonide-based backward tunnel diode. An impedance matching circuit with on- and off-chip elements, as well as ridged waveguide, provides a wideband match to the detectors. Modules were designed with two different microwave substrates: 125 micron thick quartz and 100 micron thick alumina. flip-chip bonding of the detectors is amenable to automated pick-and-place for high volume manufacturing. The modular nature of the array approach allows large arrays to be manufactured in a straightforward manner. We present the design approach along with both electromagnetic simulations and measured performance of the modules. This work was supported by phase II of DARPA's MIATA program.

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James H. Schaffner, Jonathan J. Lynch, Keith V. Guinn, Joel N. Schulman, Harris P. Moyer, Ross Bowen, and Marcel Musni "A wideband radiometer module for an unamplified direct detection scalable W-band imaging array", Proc. SPIE 6948, Passive Millimeter-Wave Imaging Technology XI, 694807 (18 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.776893

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