Low-cost high-performance W-band LNA MMICs for millimeter-wave imaging

The main limitation to the sensitivity of a radiometer or imager is its equivalent noise temperatures, Te. Placing a low noise amplifier (LNA) at a radiometer's front end can dramatically reduce Te. LNA performance has steadily improved over recent years, and here we report on a W-band LNA with the lowest Te measured at room temperature. Furthermore, we present statistical RF data showing high yield and consistency for future high volume production that is needed for commercial radiometric imaging array applications such as security screening, aircraft landing, and other systems.