The Band between Microwave and Infrared Regions

Microwave techniques have been stretched well into the millimeter range. The infrared range has recently found extensive practical application. The portion of the spectrum that lies between the two, stretching from about 300 to 3000 kmc (1.0 to 0.1 mm), is, to date, almost unexplored and virtually unexploited. The chief reason for this sparseness of activity is the lack of 300-3000-kmc generators. This paper mentions some factors that have prevented microwave generation techniques from entering this region. A number of ideas and schemes, some extrapolations of microwave techniques, others of a more revolutionary nature, may result in satisfactory generators. Some of these are discussed herein. In addition to generation, there are the associated problems of detection, control, transmission, and measurement. These are discussed briefly, along with some advances in the art that approach solutions.