Precise coaxial attenuator for picosecond pulses

A coaxial attenuator, for attenuating baseband picosecond pulses with Fourier components in the high microwave frequency range and for calibrating pulse measuring instruments, is disclosed. A fast pulse, propagating along the attenuator, is split into two waves at a transition plane formed by an intermediate tubular conductor and an outer conductor. The purpose of the transitional plane is, in addition to splitting the incoming wave, to attenuate the wave. One of the attenuated waves propagates along the inside of the conductor of the intermediate section to a pulse measuring instrument for viewing. The other attenuated wave is delayed before propagating along the same intermediate conductor to be viewed on said viewing device. The known time lag between the two wavefronts is used for time calibrating pulse measuring instruments.