06/01/2013: Virginia Diodes, Inc. (VDI) is pleased to announce the delivery of a world class VNA Frequency Extension Module system to Dr. Vinh Nguyen of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, Virginia.
The bands included are WR10.0, WR6.5, WR5.1, WR3.4, WR2.2, WR1.5 and WR1.0. In conjunction with an Agilent PNA, these modules enable S- parameter measurements throughout the entire frequency range from 75 GHz through 1.1 THz. Dr. Nguyen’s lab is one of only a very few in the world capable of measurements across this terahertz frequency range.
“At Virginia Diodes, we are focused on developing the test & measurement tools required by scientists and engineers that are performing fundamental research into terahertz phenomena and developing new applications of terahertz technology. It is our pleasure to work with Dr. Nguyen as he establishes his new laboratory at Virginia Tech,” said Thomas W. Crowe, CEO and founder of VDI.
“I am very happy with the VDI Frequency Extenders. With the VDI system, I have developed a terahertz frequency-domain dielectric spectrometer with the world’s highest precision, highest sensitivity and highest frequency. The system allows us to overcome the challenging problem of the strong absorption of water in aqueous biological solutions at the terahertz frequency,” stated Dr. Nguyen of Virginia Tech.
Dr. Nguyen’s research is in experimental condensed and soft matter physics. In particular, his group is interested in the dynamics of electrons confined in very tiny semiconductor structures and dynamics of biological molecules in living environment through terahertz spectroscopy. Prior to joining Virginia Tech in 2012, Dr. Nguyen spent three years at the Institute for Terahertz Science and Technology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he established his position in the investigation of terahertz phenomena.
VDI manufactures state-of-the-art test and measurement equipment for mm-wave and THz applications. These products include Vector Network Analyzer, Spectrum Analyzer and Signal Generator Extension Modules that extend the capability of high performance microwave measurement tools to higher frequencies. VDI’s component products include detectors, mixers, frequency multipliers and custom systems for reliable operation at frequencies between 50 GHz and 2 THz. All VDI components include in-house fabricated GaAs Schottky diodes and microelectronic filter structures.