THz Radiator Using Third-Harmonic Oscillator and Patch Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silicon-based devices for generating terahertz electromagnetic radiation face heating and efficiency issues due to operating beyond the maximum oscillation frequency of silicon.
Innovation Solution
A radiator design comprising an oscillator arrangement with transistors and a patch antenna arrangement, utilizing an even-mode-shorted coupler and differential feeding to generate and radiate terahertz electromagnetic radiation, with frequency ranges from 0.1 THz to 10 THz, employing CMOS technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If silicon-based devices are used to generate terahertz electromagnetic radiation, then the device can be manufactured using existing silicon technology, but the device suffers from heating and efficiency problems due to operating beyond the maximum oscillation frequency of silicon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter by using third harmonic generation (multiplying the fundamental frequency by 3) to reach terahertz frequencies. This allows the device to operate within silicon's maximum oscillation frequency while still generating terahertz radiation, thereby improving efficiency without sacrificing manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs oscillating circuits that generate electromagnetic radiation through controlled oscillations. By designing the oscillator to operate at a fundamental frequency and then extracting the third harmonic, the system achieves terahertz generation through resonant oscillation mechanisms that improve efficiency
2Speed
If silicon-based devices operate beyond maximum oscillation frequency to generate terahertz radiation, then terahertz frequency band can be achieved, but heating problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency generation approach by using third harmonic multiplication rather than direct fundamental oscillation at terahertz frequencies. This allows achieving high terahertz frequencies while keeping the fundamental oscillation frequency within silicon's operational limits, thereby reducing heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the fundamental oscillation at a lower frequency serves as a mediator to generate the desired terahertz frequency through third harmonic extraction. This intermediary mechanism avoids direct operation beyond silicon's maximum oscillation frequency, reducing thermal stress
3Speed
If silicon-based devices operate beyond maximum oscillation frequency to generate terahertz radiation, then terahertz frequency band can be achieved, but efficiency problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the efficiency problem by changing the frequency generation parameter from direct fundamental oscillation to third harmonic multiplication. This parameter change enables terahertz frequency achievement while maintaining operation within silicon's efficient operating range, improving overall energy efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The radiator effectively generates terahertz electromagnetic radiation with improved efficiency and reduced heating, suitable for applications in imaging, communication, and spectroscopy systems.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator arrangement operable to generate third harmonic power
Implementation Method 2
a patch antenna arrangement operably coupled with the oscillator arrangement for radiating terahertz electromagnetic radiation based on the generated third harmonic power
Data Source
AI summary
A radiator for terahertz electromagnetic radiation includes one or more radiator units. Each of the one or more radiator units respectively includes: an oscillator arrangement operable to generate third harmonic power, and a patch antenna arrangement operably coupled with the oscillator arrangement for radiating terahertz electromagnetic radiation based on the generated third harmonic power.