Various astronomical telescopes including Herschel, ALMA, STO and SOFIA-GREAT have successfully exploited THz radiation in order to explore the cosmos from the birth of the Universe to the life cycle of individual stars. The THz region, however, still remains relatively poorly observed due to poor transmission of THz light through Earth’s atmosphere as a result of past technological constraints. One such example is the observation of neutral oxygen [OI] at 4.7 THz which is only now opening up as a possibility for astronomical study.
In this thesis we report on technology development aimed at implementing an advanced 4.7 THz astronomical receiver array for a proposed future NASA balloon mission called GUSTO. Several aspects of the receiver are studied in detail: HEB characterization and selection; Impact of lens size on device sensitivity; LO multiplexing at 1.4 THz using a 4x2 Fourier phase grating as a stepping stone to a 4.7 THz Fourier grating, including a demonstration of a 2x2 pixel array receiver using the central four beams of the grating output beam pattern. Conclusions are presented on the findings that will have direct input to the GUSTO mission
