We have proposed a new type of frequency detection system of sub-terahertz electromagnetic waves using a photomixing technique and a Josephson junction detector. The photomixer illuminated by two lasers with different wavelengths generates coherent electromagnetic waves that include a frequency component corresponding to the frequency difference of the two lasers. The generated electromagnetic waves were radiated from a horn antenna and focused to the Josephson junction detector with Si lens. The high-Tc Josephson junction operates as a frequency detector for electromagnetic waves. Using this system, we observed the Shapiro steps of 188 μV that correspond to the frequencies of 90.8 GHz. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.