Super-resolution ranging using a sub-terahertz self-injection-locked frequency-modulated radar

Abstract

Sub-terahertz (sub-THz) and terahertz (THz) frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radars have opened a plethora of scientific and industrial applications, especially in the imaging field. While strong candidates for sub-THz/THz FMCW radar imagers are implemented using photonic methods, there is a desire to achieve the full integration and portability that only electronics can offer. However, integrated electronic sub-THz/THz FMCW radars have significantly lower bandwidth (< 100 GHz) than photonic-based radars, restricting the radar range resolution to the millimeter scale (> 1.5 mm). In addition, the electronic FMCW radar's broad bandwidth comes with increased transmitter phase noise, consequently degrading the radar range accuracy. Here, we present a sub-THz fully-integrated autodyne frequency-modulated (AFM) radar utilizing a self-injection locking (SIL) mechanism that fundamentally overcomes the aforementioned challenges of FMCW radars. The AFM radar supports an exceptionally wide effective bandwidth extending into the terahertz sweep range by forming an intermediate frequency comb spectrum in a quadratic receiver, unlocking the path for super-resolution ranging. Furthermore, SIL significantly reduces the transmitter's phase noise, allowing high-accuracy range measurements. We theoretically describe and experimentally demonstrate the SIL operation of the AFM radar. The proposed radar experimentally achieves sub-millimeter range resolution and a range accuracy of < 0.002%, enabling the imaging of covered printed letters with micrometer features.