A Monotron Oscillator with a Superconducting Cavity

A description is given of a microwave oscillator of monotron type using a superconducting cavity. A brief survey of theoretical properties shows that this type of oscillator can have good short-term frequency stability (10-14 for r=1 ms) and spectral purity (2¿f/f=10-17). After a brief description of the oscillator, experimental results on threshold current are given for starting oscillation and frequency stability; it is shown that it is possible to realize an S-band oscillator with a frequency stability better than 10-10 and capable of delivering continuous power of the order of 100 mW.