Low-cost THz heterodyne detection by miniature neon indicator lamp glow discharge detector

H. Joseph, N. S. Kopeika, A. Abramovich, A. Akram, A. Levanon, D. Rozban

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) radiation or millimeter wavelength detection and imaging don't have to be expensive. A miniature neon indicator lamp costing about 50 cents acting as a Glow Discharge Detector (GDD) is excellent as a low cost THz detector, but not as the most sensitive detector on the market. Experimental results show that a GDD can work as heterodyne detector, which improves the sensitivity. The experimental results show that sensitivity of heterodyne detection is improved by two orders of magnitude as compared to direct detection. We show here a proof of concept at low frequencies. In this work we compare the performance of GDDs in direct detection to the performance of GDDs in heterodyne detection at 10 GHz and at 300GHz with a low power source.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMillimetre Wave and Terahertz Sensors and Technology IV
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
EventMillimetre Wave and Terahertz Sensors and Technology IV - Prague, Czech Republic
Duration: 19 Sep 201120 Sep 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8188
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceMillimetre Wave and Terahertz Sensors and Technology IV
Country/TerritoryCzech Republic
CityPrague
Period19/09/1120/09/11

Keywords

  • Glow Discharge Detectors (GDD)
  • Terahertz (THz)
  • heterodyne
  • millimeter waves

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