Demonstration of a Frequency-Agile Quantum Well Based THz Heterodyne Detector

The field of THz mixers for astrophysics is dominated by superconducting hot-electron bolometers (HEBs), whereas Schottky-diode mixers have been the only devices suitable for planetary instruments. The Schottky mixers operate at ambient temperature, which is a great advantage for planetary applications, but are much less sensitive than the state-of-the art HEBs and require a 103 higher local oscillator (LO) power. Here, we have demonstrated a novel THz mixer which offers the best of both worlds: it operates at ~60 K (accessible by passive cooling on space), requires ~μW LO power, and has a potential to be as sensitive as the HEB mixer.