Duplexing and Switching with Multipactor Discharges

Multipactor discharges in high vacuum are employed as switching mechanism for high-power microwave duplexers and voltage controlled switches. The devices described handle peak powers up to 5.5 Mw at nanosecond switching speed. Further characteristics include freedom from spike leakage and practically instantaneous recovery times. A survey is given of the underlying multipactor theory. Developmental S-band multipactor duplexers and switches are described. Their advantages, limitations and potential improvements are discussed.