Advances in high power millimeter wave grid array sources

In the microwave (2-18 GHz) and millimeter wave (26-40 GHz) regions, a combination of new technologies, such as MMIC amplifiers and equalizers together with miniature TWTs, have resulted in the microwave power module (MPM) and the millimeter wave power module (MMPM) which produce record power densities at low cost. These same advantages can be gained throughout the millimeter wave region by frequency multiplying the output of the MPM/MMPM using nonlinear solid state devices and quasi-optical power combining. This technique offers dramatic savings in size, weight and cost as compared to conventional coupled-cavity TWT sources. A quasi-optical frequency multiplier grid array consists of thousands of varactor devices and antennas on a single wafer. This approach is extremely attractive because of its low fabrication cost, small-size realization and graceful degradation qualities. The goal of this research is a high power source using MPM/MMPM to drive frequency multiplier grid arrays. This hybrid technology source will provide high levels of CW output power up to W-band.