DESIGN AND CHARACTERIZATION OF VIVALDI END FIRE ANTENNA FOR THZ PHOTOCONDUCTIVE SOURCES

Abstract

The aim of this research is to design and characterize a Vivaldi end-fire antenna for efficient coupling of radiation between THz photomixing sources and dielectric waveguides. Basic properties and principles of ultra-wideband Vivaldi antennas are presented and discussed in this report. The focus will be on the designing an end-fire Vivaldi antenna that can facilitate the direct emission/reception of THz radiation into/from the waveguide. This report starts with a brief introduction of THz technology and its current scenario followed by the review of current status of THz coupling techniques, the generation of THz radiation by photomixers, conventional antenna designs and basic design aspects of Vivaldi antenna. The introductory part also highlights the problem description for the current project and the goals to be achieved. The investigation of the design principles of Vivaldi antenna and optimization of the key parameters with four different structures to achieve a good performance will be the major concern of the design part. At the end of this report, the measurement results and their comparisons following with conclusions are presented. The researchers, who are working in the field of THz devices and systems particularly in antenna-based compact THz photoconductive sources, will find this report helpful, as there is shown up detailed problem description of end-fire Vivaldi antenna based photomixer with the experimental results and also discussed need for the future improvement.