Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--Univerity of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The design and simulation of hot electron bolometer sensors for the detection of millimeter and terahertz wave radiation is presented. These devices can be used for the formation of images or for spectroscopy in these frequency ranges. Many molecules resonate and have absorption spectra over these ranges, allowing for the identi cation, non-destructively and at a distance, of the constitution of many di erent materials. The penetrating ability of the radiation makes mm-wave and THz wave detectors ideal for security imaging. The design and simulation of these devices predicts performance as mixers and as interferometers. Manufacturing processes used while fabricating these thin lm devices are outlined and experimental results are reported. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis bespreek die ontwerp en simulasie van warm-elektron bolometers vir die waarneming van millimetergolf- en terahertz-straling. Sodanige toestelle kan in bogenoemde frekwensiebereike gebruik word vir beeldvorming of spektroskopie. Aangesien heelwat molekules binne hierdie bande resoneer, kan die samestelling van 'n verskeidenheid materiale oor 'n afstand en op 'n nie-vernietigende wyse gedenti seer word. Die deurdringingsvermo van millimetergolf- en terahertz-straling maak sulke detektors ideaal vir beeldvorming in veiligheidstoepassings. Met die ontwerp en simulasie van hierdie toestelle word gewys wat hul werkverrigting as mengers en interferometers kan wees. Die prosesse wat gebruik is om hierdie dun lmtoestelle mee te vervaardig word ook bespreek en eksperimentele resultate word aangebied.