Sensitive Millimeter-Wave/Terahertz Gas Spectroscopy Based on SiGe BiCMOS Technology

Abstract

We present a millimeter-wave/terahertz (mmW/THz) gas spectroscopy sensor system based on SiGe BiCMOS technology. We demonstrate spatial combining of two transmitters which allows for a total spectral coverage of up to 50 GHz. SiGe technology can achieve a high integration level and low costs in case of large scale production. MmW/ THz gas sensors can be used for instance for the medical analysis of human breath or for the detection of toxic industrial chemicals.