280 GHz frequency multiplied source for meteorological Doppler radar applications

We report on the design, fabrication and characterization of a Schottky diode frequency tripler to 280 GHz. The narrowband multiplier features six GaAs Schottky planar diodes in a balanced configuration. Measured room temperature conversion efficiencies are in the range 1 to 5 % across the band 240-290 GHz for 100 mW of input power. The corresponding 3 dB bandwidth is 6 % centred at 280 GHz. When driven by 300 mW tripler exhibits a peak output power of 15 mW at 276 GHz.