2- to 6-THz heterodyne receiver array for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

Gerhard W. Schwaab; Karsten Auen; Erik Bruendermann; Roland Feinaeugle; Gregory N. Gol'tsman; Heinz-Wilhelm Huebers; Alfred Krabbe; Hans-Peter Roeser; Giles Sirmain

doi:10.1117/12.317415

31 July 1998 2- to 6-THz heterodyne receiver array for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

Gerhard W. Schwaab, Karsten Auen, Erik Bruendermann, Roland Feinaeugle, Gregory N. Gol'tsman, Heinz-Wilhelm Huebers, Alfred Krabbe, Hans-Peter Roeser, Giles Sirmain

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3357, Advanced Technology MMW, Radio, and Terahertz Telescopes; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.317415
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 1998, Kona, HI, United States

Abstract

The Institute of Space Sensor Technology of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is developing a heterodyne array receiver for the frequency range 2 to 6 THz for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Key science issues in that frequency range are the observation of lines of atoms [e.g. (OI)], ions [e.g. (CII), (NII)], and molecules (e.g. OH, HD, CO) with high spectral resolution to study the dynamics and evolution of galactic and extragalactic objects. Long term goal is the development of an integrated array heterodyne receiver with superconducting hot electron bolometric (HEB) mixers and p-type Ge or Si lasers as local oscillators. The first generation receiver will be composed of HEB mixers in a 2 pixel 2 polarization array which will be pumped by a gas laser local oscillator. Improved Schottky diode mixers are the backup solution for the HEBs. The state of the art of HEB mixer and p-type Ge laser technology are described as well as possible improvements in the 'conventional' optically pumped far-infrared laser and Schottky diode mixer technology. Finally, the frequency coverage of the first generation heterodyne receiver for some important astronomical transitions is discussed. The expected sensitivity is compared to line fluxes measured by the ISO satellite.

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Gerhard W. Schwaab, Karsten Auen, Erik Bruendermann, Roland Feinaeugle, Gregory N. Gol'tsman, Heinz-Wilhelm Huebers, Alfred Krabbe, Hans-Peter Roeser, and Giles Sirmain "2- to 6-THz heterodyne receiver array for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)", Proc. SPIE 3357, Advanced Technology MMW, Radio, and Terahertz Telescopes, (31 July 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.317415

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KEYWORDS

Terahertz radiation

Receivers

Diodes

Heterodyning

Germanium

Semiconductor lasers

Far infrared lasers

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