MICROWAVE DIODE RESEARCH

The work described in this report is part of a broad program of continuing theoretical and experimental studies to achieve improved microwave semiconductor diodes and combination microwave devices. Of immediate particular interest is the research and development effort directed toward clarifying the relationship between structure and behavior of avalanche transit-time diode oscillators and improving their microwave performance. Chapter 1 describes experimental work performed in an effort to obtain maximum microwave cw output from a single encapsulation, specifically by use of several small silicon wafers mounted on a common pedestal. Chapter 2 explores, analytically and by experiments, the possibilities of operating several avalanche wafers in parallel for higher power and/or higher efficiency. Chapter 3 summarizes and places in perspective the results achieved in two years' work on the present contract, which has covered the evolution of an experimental device into an efficient, rugged microwave source. (Author)