Characteristics of InSb mixers and backward wave oscillators in a submm heterodyne receiver

In this paper some aspects of two of the most important components of a previously described submm heterodyne are discussed: the InSb mexer and the backward wave oscillator. The (known) properties of the InSb mixer and our method of fabrication will be briefly discussed. The aspect of matching this mixer to the waveguide is treated more extensively both in theory and practice. Finally the performance of InSb as a mixer at higher frequencies is briefly considered. Some properties of the backward wave oscillator which are of special relevance when using it in combination with an InSb mixer, have been measured and they are discussed in the last section.