Research on Millimeter-Wave Generation Techniques

摘要

The objective of this work was to determine the materials and techniques necessary to provide direct coherent millimeter-wave energy generation by solid state means other than harmonic generation or masers. Two programs were initiated; Task I, millimeter-wave generation using the electro-optical approach; Task II, the obtaining of microwave oscillations in bulk gallium arsenide material by d-c pulses. In the electro-optical approach to the generation of millimeter-wave energy (Task I) using semiconductors, a light source and a detector is required. In this program a detector is developed. A PIN heterojunction structure was designed for optimum quantum efficiency, maximum operating frequency and a spectral response consistent with potential light sources. In a separate approach to the generation of millimeter-wave energy (Task II) microwave oscillations have been observed in bulk GaAs during the application of short video pulses. The oscillations were observed on a travelling-wave oscilloscope and frequencies were found to be in the UHF and L-band range.