Photonic Upconversion For Thz Radiometry

We analyze the feasibility of upconverting mm-wave and THz radiation to the optical domain for high sensitivity radiometry with no need of cryogenic operation. The upconversion takes place via electro-optic modulation in high-Q whispering-gallery resonators. Theoretical noise results show that. room-temperature upconversion schemes can achieve sensitivity values comparable to those of cooled state-of-the-art mm-wave LNAs provided that photon conversion efficiencies above 1% are accomplished.