Double-barrier resonant tunnelling diodes (RTD) exhibit bandwidths up to terahertz frequencies. Therefore, RTD-based oscillators can be used as signal sources up to submillimeter-wave frequencies for a variety of applications such as wide band secure communication systems, high resolution radar or imaging systems for low-visibility environments. The potential of these extremely fast devices has however not been fully exploited because of spurious oscillations along the bias circuit of RTD-based oscillators. We have investigated different solutions to this problem of bias instability in the negative differential resistance region RTDs, and are presently applying these to the reliable design and IC-realisation of RTD-based microwave and millimetre-wave oscillators.

For further information contact DR. Edward Wasige – e.wasige@elec.gla.ac.uk