Optical up-conversion for millimeter-wave imaging using glow discharge detector and photoreceiver module integration

This paper presents an advanced photonic detection system for high-resolution millimeter-wave (MMW) imaging, utilizing an up-conversion detection method with a Glow Discharge Detector (GDD) and a photoreceiver. The system employs a 105 GHz MMW beam to illuminate metallic objects, with reflected MMW radiation up converted to an optical signal by the GDD. The optical signal is detected by a low noise photoreceiver, enhancing sensitivity and accuracy. A key innovation in this work is the integration of a near-infrared (NIR) long-pass filter, which significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by blocking unwanted visible light and isolating MMW-induced NIR wavelengths. Experimental results demonstrate that the NIR filter enhances the system's responsivity and detection efficiency, enabling high-quality grayscale MMW imaging. This system shows significant advancements in MMW imaging, offering enhanced resolution and sensitivity.