Sub-harmonically pumped up-conversion mixers based quantum barrier devices

This work investigates the prospective performance of single quantum barrier junctions based on sub-harmonically driven mixers. Both advanced design system (ADS) and high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) are employed to evaluate the performance of quantum barrier devices and optimize prior to fabrication. The output powers and conversion efficiencies are explored for two different designs. The first design aimed at 180 GHz showing an output power of -7dBm, while the second design operates at 110GHz demonstrating -0.5dBm of output power. The objective was to develop and evaluate high power up-converters and to explore the conversion efficiencies for direct output upconverters where a power amplifier may not be economically desirable or available. Comparisons with optimized designs based on main-stream Schottky based approaches are used for benchmarking output powers and efficiencies.