Abstract: A heterodyne terahertz transceiver comprises a quantum cascade laser that is integrated on-chip with a Schottky diode mixer. A terahertz signal can be received by an antenna connected to the mixer, an end facet or sidewall of the laser, or through a separate active section that can amplify the incident signal. The quantum cascade laser couples terahertz local oscillator power to the Schottky diode to mix with the received terahertz signal to provide an intermediate frequency output signal. The fully integrated transceiver optimizes power efficiency, sensitivity, compactness, and reliability. The transceiver can be used in compact, fieldable systems covering a wide variety of deployable applications not possible with existing technology.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the integration of a quantum cascade laser with a hollow waveguide on a chip to improve both the beam pattern and manufacturability. By coupling the QCL output into a single-mode rectangular waveguide the radiation mode structure can be known and the propagation, manipulation, and broadcast of the QCL radiation can then be entirely controlled by well-established rectangular waveguide techniques. By controlling the impedance of the interface, enhanced functions, such as creating amplifiers, efficient coupling to external cavities, and increasing power output from metal-metal THz QCLs, are also enabled.

Abstract: A nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switch is formed on a substrate with a source electrode containing a suspended electrically-conductive beam which is anchored to the substrate at each end. This beam, which can be formed of ruthenium, bows laterally in response to a voltage applied between a pair of gate electrodes and the source electrode to form an electrical connection between the source electrode and a drain electrode located near a midpoint of the beam. Another pair of gate electrodes and another drain electrode can be located on an opposite side of the beam to allow for switching in an opposite direction. The NEM switch can be used to form digital logic circuits including NAND gates, NOR gates, programmable logic gates, and SRAM and DRAM memory cells which can be used in place of conventional CMOS circuits, or in combination therewith.

Abstract: An electro-fluidic assembly process for integration of an electronic device or component onto a substrate which comprises: disposing components within a carrier fluid; attracting the components to an alignment sites on the substrate by means of electrophoresis or dielectrophoresis; and aligning the components within the alignment site by means of energy minimization. The substrate comprises: a biased backplane layer, a metal plane layer having one or more alignment sites, a first insulating layer disposed between the backplane layer and the metal plane layer, and a second insulating layer, e.g., benzocyclobute, having a recess disposed therein, wherein the second insulating layer is on the surface of the metal plane layer opposite from the first insulating layer and wherein the recess is in communication with the alignment site.

Abstract: An electro-fluidic assembly process for integration of an electronic device or component onto a substrate which comprises: disposing components within a carrier fluid; attracting the components to an alignment sites on the substrate by means of electrophoresis or dielectrophoresis; and aligning the components within the alignment site by means of energy minimization. The substrate comprises: a biased backplane layer, a metal plane layer having one or more alignment sites, a first insulating layer disposed between the backplane layer and the metal plane layer, and a second insulating layer, e.g., benzocyclobute, having a recess disposed therein, wherein the second insulating layer is on the surface of the metal plane layer opposite from the first insulating layer and wherein the recess is in communication with the alignment site.