Non-contact millimeter and Terahertz frequency measurement paradigm for instrumentation and sensing applications unlocking metrology-grade results

ended

TERAmeasure proposes a universal, broadband and contact-free measurement and sensing platform, developing compact and competitive transceiver heads for the millimetre- (MMW, 30 GHz-300 GHz) and Terahertz- (THz, 300 GHz-3 THz) frequency range, enabling a new instrumentation and metrology paradigm. This breakthrough will be achieved exploiting photonic integration technology and silicon micromachining to realize a broadband continuous-wave THz platform equipped with refractive index engineered dielectric waveguides. Our main objective is to develop generic and low-cost probing solutions to fully unlock the potential of non-contact, broadband, and phase-sensitive measurements. We aim to stimulate novel fields of research in high frequency device characterization with Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), field resolved near-field microscopy and industrial non-destructive evaluation. TERAmeasure replaces costly frequency-extension modules, relying on rectangular waveguide flanges, by a photonic approach that covers the full spectrum from 30 GHz up to 3 THz. Thereby, TERAmeasure helps to unify the MMW and THz spectrum, which is currently segmented into more than 10 separate bands. TERAmeasure challenges the established pathway that high frequencies can be addressed only by further miniaturization of the components, which will run into fundamental physical limits. The consortium combines key expertise. UC3M and HHI to develop the new on-chip emitter and receiver for THz signal generation and phase-sensitive detection. KTH to develop novel terahertz waveguide and lensing structures. ANRITSU, who has developed today’s coaxial cable standards, adds its expertise on VNA measurements and VNA systems in which the heads will be integrated and tested. PROTEMICS, an SME, brings non-destructive testing applications for which TERAmeasure will provide a technological market advantage unlocking continuous-wave THz probing. A wider range of applications will be pursued, with a proof-of-concept on early detection of skin cancer with Advisory Board support.