ELVA-1 Real Time mm-Wave Frequency Analyzers

Since millimeter-wave applications have entered many domains of human activity, the need for precise measurements of the signal frequency spectrum has become critical. This need is quite understandable when, for example, it concerns exploring extraterrestrial radio sources or micro/mm-wave background emission in radio astronomy, measuring the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the molecular emission of different components, plasma diagnostics, or many military applications. Moreover, in some cases, the spectrum measurements have to be implemented on a real-time scale. For example, high-temperature plasma physics research is important because of the short plasma life time of experimental devices and the poor plasma parameter reproducibility from discharge to discharge. It is also important for plasma feedback control purposes. As well, real-time spectrum measurements are very needed in electronic warfare applications, such as object recognition or electronic countermeasures for millimeter-wave weapons. However, real-time broad band analyzers with direct frequency spectrum measuring continue to be a rare bird in the catalogs of leading world manufacturers of mm-wave products.