Technique for optically tuning dielectric resonators

A novel technique is presented for optically tuning dielectric resonators at microwave frequencies. The resonator is tuned by coupling it to two sections of microstrip tuning line which are connected by a photoconductor patch. The resonant frequency of the dielectric resonator is changed when the photoconductor is illuminated. With 200 mW optical power, an 86 MHz tuning range has been achieved, which is the best result ever reported