IMPATT diode traveling wave amplifiers

This paper presents experimental and theoretical work on a new type of two-port solid state traveling wave amplifier using an IMPATT diode The simplest structure is along, narrow avalanching junction in the form of a strip transmission line with the dc current flow normal to the direction of propagation. Such a structure will propagate growing waves over a range of frequencies determined by the avalanche current density. The characteristic impedance, phase velocity and gain (or loss) of the devices are also functions of the avalanche current.