Optical control of W-band impatt oscillators

Results are presented for analytical computer modelling and experimental studies of optically induced frequency tuning of W-Band (75¿¿110 GHz) impatt oscillators. Predictions from an analytical theory are compared with those from a large-signal time-domain computer model, and the effect of unequal electron and hole ionisation coefficients on the tuning performance is illustrated. Experimental measurements are presented showing an optical tuning range of about 10 MHz for an optically generated current of 20 ¿¿A, and comparisons are made with the theoretical predictions.