SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PHOTOMIXER -BASED HETERODYNE HIGH-FREQUENCY SPECTROMETER AND RECEIVER

摘要

A system for detecting high-frequency radiation that offers near-quantum-limited sensitivity, broad spectral bandwidth, and high spectral resolution while operating at room temperature. The system can include an antenna assembly configured to receive at least a high-frequency radiation and a substrate comprising a semiconductor material with a contact-semiconductor interface connected to the antenna assembly. The system also includes an optical pump configured to produce an optical beam that has a high-frequency beat frequency, the optical beam contacting the contact-semiconductor interface to create an intermediate frequency signal by combining the optical beam with the high-frequency radiation. The system further includes a detector configured to detect the intermediate frequency and generate at least one report indicating the received, high-frequency radiation.