X-band gas-tube pulsed attenuator for maser protection

An investigation has been completed of the use of a gas-tube attenuator to protect a maser from saturation when used in a pulsed radar. A typical X-band unit will provide well over 100 dB isolation while introducing only 0.05 dB attenuation in the receiver line. Characteristics including recovery time, life, firing delay, striations, leakage power, tube voltage, etc., as a function of current and gas fill for xenon and neon are presented. These attenuators have been used successfully in two different radar systems over a period of several years.