Hybrid integrated direct detection receiver for W-band space applications operated in cryogenic conditions

摘要

In this paper we analyze the influence of extremely low temperatures on the operation performances of a hybrid integrated W-band (75-110 GHz) receiver based on a zero-bias GaAs diode. First, a direct detection receiver consisting of a membrane supported folded slot antenna and a detection circuit based on a zero-bias diode (ZBD) is fabricated and characterized. Then, the detection circuit is inserted in a cryogenic system and on-wafer measurements are performed in the temperature range 18 K-295 K, in advanced vacuum conditions. The detection circuit is fed with a 1 kHz amplitude modulated W-band signal and both detected signal and i/v characteristic are compared for different temperatures. It is demonstrated that the device is capable of operating even at 18 K (-255.15 °C), when biased at +0.25 V.