A Review of Nonlinear Transmission Line System Design

Abstract

Nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs) have been increasingly studied to produce high power microwaves (HPM) at higher repetition rates than conventional HPM devices without requiring the same auxiliary systems. The ability to array NLTLs to produce higher power and achieve beam steering provides an additional capability. This review summarizes the various NLTL topologies designed to achieve these design objectives. Specifically, we summarize modeling and experimental studies for three primary topologies: the lumped element NLTL, the split ring resonator, and the traditional transmission line geometry using nonlinear materials. The lumped element NLTL and the traditional transmission line constructed with nonlinear materials lend themselves to higher power applications, while the split ring resonator is better suited for applications involving antennas. We provide a detailed summary of past studies for these topologies and conclude by exploring ongoing work and future opportunities for technological development.

Shocks and solitary waves in series connected discrete Josephson transmission lines

“…The concept that in a nonlinear wave propagation system the various parts of the wave travel with different velocities, and that wave fronts (or tails) can sharpen into shock waves, is deeply imbedded in the classical theory of fluid dynamics 1 . The methods developed in that field can be profitably used to study signal propagation in nonlinear transmission lines [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] . In the early studies of shock waves in transmission lines, the origin of the nonlinearity was due to nonlinear capacitance in the circuit [12][13][14] .…”

Shocks and solitary waves in series connected discrete Josephson transmission lines

“…The concept that in a nonlinear wave propagation system the various parts of the wave travel with different velocities, and that wave fronts (or tails) can sharpen into shock waves, is deeply imbedded in the classical theory of fluid dynamics 1 . The methods developed in that field can be profitably used to study signal propagation in nonlinear transmission lines [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] . In the early studies of shock waves in transmission lines, the origin of the nonlinearity was due to nonlinear capacitance in the circuit [12][13][14] .…”

Soliton Waves in Lossy Nonlinear Transmission Lines at Microwave Frequencies: Analytical, Numerical and Experimental Studies

“…As a nonlinear electronic circuit, the NLTL must contain electrical components with nonlinear permittivity or permeability in order to achieve pulse sharpening [3]. There are generally two possible NLTL designs.…”

“…There are generally two possible NLTL designs. The first one uses a ladder network of repeating lumped inductors and capacitors, where the inductors or capacitors are nonlinear in their response to current or voltage, respectively [1][2][3]. For experimental research, this implementation of the equivalent NLTL circuit is most common in which special diodes (varactors or Schottky diodes) are used as nonlinear capacitors placed in shunt form [4].…”