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Grid mixers and power grid oscillators

Citation

Hacker, Jonathan Bruce (1994) Grid mixers and power grid oscillators. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/fekf-qz14. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-11302007-145419

Abstract

Power-combining schemes involving planar grids of solid-state devices quasi-optically coupled in free space are an efficient means of combining power at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies. The quasi-optical coupling of these grid circuits makes them ideal for millimeter-wave and submillimeter-wave applications by eliminating waveguide sidewall losses and machining difficulties. The planar property of the grids potentially allows thousands of devices to be integrated monolithically. In this thesis, a grid mixer suitable for mixing or detecting quasi-optical signals is presented. The mixer is a planar grid structure periodically loaded with diodes. The grid mixer power handling and dynamic range scales as the number of devices in the grid. The conversion loss and noise figure of the grid are equal to that of a conventional mixer. A variation of the grid mixer, the sideband generator grid, is shown to be an efficient package for increasing the theoretical operating frequency and output power of monolithic planar diodes at terahertz frequencies. Techniques for designing power grid oscillators to produce Watt-level output powers are described. Designs and experimental results for MESFET grid oscillators operating in X-band with output powers of 0.9 W to 10.3 W are presented in detail. Methods that make use of finite-element electromagnetic solvers for analyzing grid structures of arbitrary shape are discussed.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Electrical Engineering
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Rutledge, David B.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:11 August 1993
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-11302007-145419
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-11302007-145419
DOI:10.7907/fekf-qz14
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:4699
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:06 Dec 2007
Last Modified:16 Apr 2021 22:56

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