quasi-optical detector

 

General Specifications

  • Frequency coverage from 50 to 330 GHz
  • Low-loss insertion when in ‘on’ state
  • Controlled via fast-response DC signals
  • Supports input signals up to 16 dBm
  • Available across full rectangular waveguide bands from WR-15 to WR-3.4
  • Ideal for lab setups, switching matrices, and radar test environments

Quasi-Optical Detectors

ACST’s quasi-optical detectors provide reliable, room-temperature detection of waveguide and THz signals. They feature a Schottky diode with an integrated antenna on a silicon lens. This structure directly converts incoming RF or THz energy into a clean DC signal. These detectors offer fast response, require no external bias, and are simple to integrate.

Fast, Sensitive, and Bias-Free Operation

Commonly referred to as envelope detectors or square-law detectors, these devices are among the most effective tools for mmWave and THz signal monitoring. Their speed is a key advantage. Unlike other technologies, the response time here is governed mostly by external components like amplifiers and cables, not the detector itself. Therefore, they are well-suited for time-critical setups.

ZBD Technology with Superior Performance

All ACST models use Zero-Bias Schottky Diodes (ZBDs). Because they operate without external voltage or current, they reduce excess noise and simplify system integration. Moreover, these detectors offer excellent linearity, strong responsivity, and compatibility with high-speed electronics. This combination ensures consistently clean signal conversion in demanding environments.

Built for Advanced THz Applications

Thanks to their compact footprint and low power requirements, ACST’s detectors adapt easily to different use cases. They are ideal for precision lab measurements, real-time power control, THz imaging, and industrial THz screening. Whether used in research or in the field, these detectors offer a dependable solution for high-frequency signal detection

Click on a product category in the table below to explore detailed specifications and model options.

Product Category Description
3DL 12C LS2500 A1 / A1M The A1 model is ACST’s most sensitive detector, offering a low NEP of 6 pW/√Hz and a 1 MHz preamplifier bandwidth. For users requiring extended bandwidth, the A1M version increases amplifier range up to 50 MHz with slightly reduced responsivity. Both models feature ultra-wideband operation from 50 GHz to 2.5 THz and are ideal for lab setups where precision and sensitivity are critical.
3DL 12C LS2500 A2 The A2 version is optimized for high-speed pulse detection, featuring a 4 GHz amplifier and wide video bandwidth up to 5 GHz. This detector was refined in collaboration with synchrotron researchers and is ideal for monitoring fast THz pulses, particularly in accelerator environments. While it has a slightly higher NEP than the A1, it excels in dynamic, high-repetition measurement scenarios.