Active quasi-optics and measurements

Author: Deckman, Blythe Chadwick

Year: 2000

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Rutledge, David B.

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Electrical Engineering

DOI: 10.7907/a6x5-z643

Abstract

Quasi-optical grid amplifiers and oscillators have been limited in power to less than a watt at Ka-band until recently. Additionally, measurements of grid structures have been done with far-field techniques, making reflection measurements difficult. Some focused techniques have been used as well. Here are presented a 5-watt grid amplifier at 37.2 GHz, and a grid oscillator, after Moonil Kim, that shows 1 watt of effective transmitter power at 38 GHz. Focused beam measurement techniques are also discussed, introducing a new method to calibrate a network analyzer for reflection measurements. Measurements are presented on passive structures to validate the calibration technique, and then measurements of the active structures are presented.

Following the presentation of the 5-watt amplifier and l-watt oscillator, a design technique for a l0-watt grid amplifier is presented, along with a mode converter that allows the grid to be fed from a standard waveguide port.

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