High-power, CW millimeter-wave amplifiers and oscillators

Abstract

About two and one-half years ago a programme was initiated in our Laboratories to devise efficient high-power millimeter-wave generators. It was believed that ultimate practical utilization of these devices dictated the use of low voltage and made achievement of maximum efficiency and minimum weight of prime concern. Air cooling was also specified for the same reason. Cw operation was chosen because it was believed that the problems in this mode were more severe than those in pulsed devices and also that many of the early applications of millimeter waves might be in cw communications systems. Although some consideration was given toother approaches, it was decided very early that the linear beam or O-type of distributed interaction tubes offered the most promise of realizing our obj ecti ves.