Tapered transmission lines for terahertz systems.

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Terahertz (THz) Technology
• Microwave Engineering

Background:

• Complex terahertz (THz) System-on-Chip (TSoC) circuits necessitate ultra-wideband, low-loss, and low-dispersion interconnections.
• Transmission lines with varying dimensions and characteristics pose challenges for seamless integration.
• Tapered transmission lines offer a solution for gradual impedance and dimensional transformation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally and computationally evaluate the effectiveness of transmission-line tapers for THz interconnections.
• To demonstrate tapers for transitioning between different coplanar-strip transmission-line configurations.
• To identify design constraints for tapers that minimize detrimental impacts on THz pulse propagation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized experimental measurements and simulations to quantify taper efficacy.
• Investigated frequencies up to 2.0 THz with 25 GHz spectral resolution.
• Focused on transitions from 10 μm to 20-40 μm line widths in coplanar-strip configurations.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful implementation of transmission-line tapers for THz interconnections.
• Showcased tapers enabling transition from device-constrained (10 μm) to lower-loss (20-40 μm) dimensions.
• Quantified the reduction in overall attenuation achieved through these tapered sections.

Conclusions:

• Transmission-line tapers are effective for reducing attenuation in THz interconnections.
• The study provides design insights for optimizing tapered sections in TSoC circuits.
• Minimal detrimental impact on THz pulse propagation was observed with optimized tapers.