Millimeter-wave pulsed IMPATT diode oscillators /Review/

The current status of millimeter-wave pulsed IMPATT diode oscillators is reviewed with reference to the principles of operation, IMPATT diode and oscillator design, and performance characteristics. Pulsed power outputs achieved so far with solid-state oscillators under laboratory conditions are 23 W at 35 GHz, 13 W at 94 GHz, 3 W at 140 GHz, and 210 mW at 212 GHz, i. e., an order of magnitude better than those achieved in continuous-wave operation (2.25 W at 40 GHz, 980 mW at 100 GHz, and 50 mW at 220 GHz). The design analysis of pulsed IMPATT diode oscillators is conducted in a quasicontinuous mode, but it is necessary that the thermal conditions of diode operation be taken into account.