Improved Diode for the Harmonic Generation of Millimeter and Submillimeter Waves

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The only generally available source of monochromatic microwave energy in the shorter mm‐ and sub‐mm‐wave region is still some form of the point contact silicon diode harmonic generator, usually driven by a cw fundamental frequency source operating in the 8–12 mm wave region. It has been found experimentally that the performance and stability of diodes for this application can be greatly improved by bombarding the silicon surface with positive ions. Described here are the methods used for the bombarding and mounting of silicon for this harmonic generating application, the construction of two practical wave guide circuits, the operating conditions for the most successful use of the material, and finally, the measured high‐frequency output is compared with that calculated on the basis of a simplified equivalent circuit for the harmonic generator.