Planar Frequency Doublers and Triplers for FIRST

Local oscillator sources based on frequency multipliers appear to be the best developed of several types of sources needed for astronomical missions from airborne and space platforms. These applications extend well into the submillimeter range, potentially up to 2.7 THz for FIRST, and similar frequencies for SOFIA receiver systems. A new generation of frequency multipliers is needed for the FIRST mission, in which the old technology of whisker contacted varactor diodes is replaced with new planar devices. This use of planar devices should go well beyond replacement of the diode itself, and should replace much of the circuit used in the earlier devices. The goal is to make these sources far superior to present multipliers in cost, and performance. Desired properties include: • High reproducibility • Wide bandwidth with no mechanical tuning • Easy machining and assembly • High efficiency, better than the best whiskered designs.