A Simple Technique to Generate or Gate Microwave Pulses with Picosecond Speeds

Abstract

A number of articles have recently been published (1-4) where microwave signals are switched and controlled by means of a ps photoconductor illuminated by a mode-locked laser pulse. The advantages of such an approach over conventional electronic circuitry include higher speeds, excellent timing and high power capability. Here we describe a simple arrangement which makes it possible to both switch an arbitrary number of cycles from a microwave generator (case 1), as well as to shape microwave pulses from a dc bias source (case 2), with easily adjustable frequency and duration. To that end we use a ps photoconductor with a PEPS (5), which controls the pulse produced.