Project Details
Projekt
Integrated Silicon Terahertz Heterodyne Spectrometer for Biomedical- and Space- Applications (SiTeSpec)
Subject Area
Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
Term
since 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550645478
Silicon-based semiconductor technology offers the possibility for a high integration level and high performance at low mass and low electrical input power. Due to the robustness of SiGe-BiCMOS technology, it is an ideal candidate for space applications, namely for remote sensing of atmospheres. It is also promising to be applied to biomedical applications such as the analysis of human breath, because low concentrations of gases can be detected with high sensitivity and a large number of different gases can be probed. The goal of this project is to develop integrated Terahertz heterodyne spectrometers in SiGe-BiCMOS technology centered at a frequency of 550 GHz for both applications. The frequency range is very relevant due to strong absorption lines of many molecules in this band. Particularly interesting for remote sensing is a very strong transition of water at 557 GHz. The spectrometer for remote sensing is aimed for implementation on a small weather balloon or in a CubeSat. CubeSats are standardized, very small, low cost satellites with a very limited size, weight and power budget. To demonstrate the feasibility of the spectrometer for remote sensing with limited resources, we will perform a measurement of absorption lines in the atmosphere of the Earth from a small weather balloon. The capability to perform breath analysis at 550 GHz will be demonstrated by a case study, as well. As a future perspective, we will also develop a receiver operating at 1.1 THz which will be characterized and used for initial spectroscopy experiments. This project will be a major step to drive high-frequency circuits and towards a compact high-performance Terahertz heterodyne spectrometer for applications in space and in biomedicine.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
