Multifrequency operation of IMPATT diodes

This paper will discuss recent theoretical results concerning multi-frequency operation of avalanche-diode oscillators. Both Read-type structures and the more practical p⁺nn⁺structures will be considered. The properties of such diodes for use in subharmonic and harmonic frequency generation will be presented. Our analysis assumes saturated drift velocities and the results obtained so far indicate that even though reasonable efficiencies (comparable to and greater than the normal IMPATT mode) can be predicted, these efficiencies are much lower than those which have been obtained in the high-efficiency (TRAPATT) mode. It is believed that these results will shed some further light on the multifrequency operation of IMPATT diodes under saturated velocity conditions and will give useful information concerning the buildup of the high-efficiency (TRAPATT) mode.