Stability of the oscllation mode in a multiple-oscillator system

The Rieke diagram represented in terms of power is transformed into one represented in terms of traveling waves in an analysis of the oscillation mode stability in a multiple-oscillator system. The conditions necessary for stable operation free of mode problems are identified: for a favorable oscillation mode the operating points must be located in the stable region of the Rieke diagram and, preferably, farther from the boundary lines; for an unfavorable one, the oscillators must be in free-running conditions; a procedure is needed to render the H-modes unstable or nondetrimental. The stability conditions are applied to a power-combining system with hybrid couplers.