Abstract: An rf, phase-array, microstrip antenna having a slotted ground plane mounted on one surface of a dielectric substrate. A network of strip lines is mounted on an opposed surface of the dielectric substrate. The network includes eight parallel rows of coupling strip lines mounted in superposition with eight rows of radiating slots. The slots in each row form a linear array. The slot spacing in each row is uniform and is different form different rows. The network further includes an input/output strip line, a plurality of switchable microstrip circulators and a plurality of branching strip lines connected to the circulators in a tree network. A scanning circuit is connected to the control terminals of the circulators for selectively completing an rf transmission path between the input/output strip line and the coupling strip lines. Each linear array is directional, having a major lobe, and each major lobe is oriented in a different direction.

Abstract: A transitioning microstrip circulator. A Y-shaped circulator having two ps coupled to a first planar substrate and a third port coupled to a second planar substrate. The first and second planar substrates are substantially parallel and have the circulator sandwiched between them. The circulator selectively directs a millimeter wave signal along a millimeter wave transmission line to a selected port. Thereby, a signal can be coupled to circuit elements placed on each substrate. Circuit elements placed on the first and second substrate are stacked one on top of the other. This permits design flexibility and smaller packages for electronic devices.

Abstract: A high voltage sub-nanosecond pulser and radiator including a radial transsion line consisting of a dielectric member sandwiched between two patterned layers of metallization, one of which comprises a plurality of radiating elements. A photoconductive semiconductor gallium arsenide switch is embedded in the dielectric member which has a constant thickness. The other layer of metallization includes an apertured grid adjacent one surface of the switch for application of an energization pulse of laser light.

Abstract: A microstrip-to-inverted-microstrip transition for providing a low-loss cection of a microstrip to an inverted microstrip in planar microwave devices. One embodiment includes tapered dielectric and conductor sections that provide a gradual or tapered change in the effective dielectric constant and a substantially constant characteristic impedance across the transition. A second embodiment employs a series of microstrip transformers that are one-quarter wavelength long. The transformers have dielectric members that have successively decreasing dielectric constants to provide a gradual dielectric match. The geometries of the microstrip transformers are chosen so that there will be an impedance match across the transition. A third embodiment employs the microwave interaction that takes place with the supporting dielectrics of the inverted microstrip to produce a dielectric match.

Abstract: An optical controlled attenuator circuit for controlling a microwave varie attenuator. The optical controlled attenuator circuit includes, a light source, a control connected to the light source, an optic fiber having an end coupled to the light source, a field effect transistor coupled to a second end of the optic fiber, a first inverting amplifier coupled to the field effect transistor, a second non-inverting amplifier coupled to the first amplifier means, a third non-inverting amplifier coupled to the second amplifier, a fourth inverting amplifier means also coupled to the second amplifier, and a microwave variable attenuator having first and second inputs respectively coupled to the fourth inverting amplifier and to the third non-inverting amplifier means and having an RF input and an RF output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus directed to a thin film piezoelectric resonator deposited on a support layer of dielectric material and being configured in the form of a cantilever structure having a base portion formed on an integrated circuit substrate and having an overhanging beam portion joined at one end to the base portion, with the opposite end being unsupported with an air-gap intermediate the beam portion and the substrate. In the fabrication of the resonator, a thin film of dielectric material, e.g. zinc oxide (ZnO) is first deposited on the substrate, but is subsequently removed from beneath the beam portion resulting in the air-gap which is open on three sides and thus results in a greater ease of fabrication.

Abstract: A composite microstrip circuit with a plurality of discrete microstrip conents made from materials having different dielectric constants mounted thereon. A transitional taper is formed on each discrete microstrip component at the point where a connection is made between other components or devices. The base on which the discrete microstrip components are positioned has a dielectric constant lower than any of the dielectric constants of the discrete components. The transitional taper results in a low cost, low loss interconnection between discrete microstrip components.

Abstract: A battery connector for use in a battery having an inner sensor circuit in rder to turn on and shut off the inner sensor circuit automatically when respectively connecting and disconnecting the battery for extending the battery storage shelf life. The battery connector includes a metal connector pin, a socket receiving the pin having a first metal positive conductor and having a second metal sensor circuit conductor, an insulator between the conductors, and a bridge for electrical conduction past the insulator between the first and second conductors and between the first conductor and the pin.

Abstract: The combination of a photoconductive switch coupled to an energy storage ice wherein the switch is comprised of photoconductive semiconductor material while the energy storage device comprises a radio transmission line including a different material, i.e. a dielectric storage medium. A photoconductive semiconductor gallium arsenide switch is embedded in a circular disc of dielectric material with upper and lower layers of continuous radial metallization configured in a circular pattern located thereon. The upper layer of metallization includes an apertured grid adjacent one surface of the switch, while the outer conductor of a coaxial output signal line is connected to the metallization layer on the opposite side with the inner conductor thereof passing through the dielectric layer to the undersurface of the semiconductor switch.

Abstract: Biasing electrodes on a piezoelectric acoustic vibrator alter the sensitivity of the acoustic vibrator and can be used to compensate for external stresses applied to the acoustic vibrator. The biasing electrodes and the circuitry providing electric signals to them are separate from the RF circuitry feeding the RF signal electrodes of the acoustic vibrator. Biasing electrodes can be used on bulk acoustic wave devices or surface acoustic wave devices. The biasing electrodes can be energized by a static D.C. voltage source, or can be used in a dynamic biasing arrangement to provide instantaneous compensation for changing environmental conditions.

Abstract: A spark gap switch having a mid-plane or triggering electrode is brought o a conductive state using a photoconductive switch or other suitable switch, closed by a laser pulse on other pulsed light source. The photoconductive switch is connected between one of the primary electrodes and the mid-plane electrode and brings the potential of the mid-plane electrode to the same potential as the primary electrode when the photoconductive switch is closed. The use of the photoconductive switch permits shorter closing times and eliminates the need for high voltage auxiliary triggering circuits. Plural photoconductive switches, which are triggered in a precise predetermined sequence, improve the operation of Marx generators and other multi-spark gap switch applications.

Abstract: A high power, solid state burst generator for producing RF pulses includes a plurality of transmission lines, such as coaxial cables, having one end connected across a load via a plurality of photoconductive switches, one for each line. The other end of the transmission lines are terminated in open ends and connected to a charging DC voltage. One set of lines is connected to a positive DC voltage +V while other set is connected to a negative DC voltage -V. A laser is coupled to one end of a plurality of fiber optic lines, each having a different length, for simultaneously launching switch pulses thereon. The other ends of the fiber optic lines are each coupled to a different one of the photoconductive switches for closing and opening the switches in a sequential fashion such that the lines are sequentially discharged through the load to generate a cyclic series of pulses.

Abstract: An optically activated avalanche GaAs switch having two opposing optical windows for receiving optical energy from an illumination source which may be, for example, a laser diode operating at a 1.06 micron wavelength. The switch is a semiconductor PIN structure including a substrate of intrinsic GaAs material within which is formed opposing highly doped deep recessed p+ and n+GaAs layers underlying a pair of ohmic contacts including outer annular layers of metallization which surround respective centrally located optical windows formed of AlGaAs. By illuminating the switch from opposite sides through the optical windows, electron-hole pairs are generated and a condition for an avalanche mode of operation is created in the center region of the device rendering it conductive.

Abstract: A high power pulse generating system for use in impulse radar systems and e like contains a plurality of pulser units. The pulser units are circular shaped PIN diodes which integrates a light activated switch and a storage capacitor into a single structure formed on a semiconducting wafer. The pulser units have the capability of outputting pulses having a width of less than one nanosecond, facilitating high power output. The outputs of the pulser units are combined when each of the pulser units is simultaneously discharged using multiple laser pulses. In another embodiment a voltage step-up transformer is formed by a PIN diode structure having a diameter of approximately 60 mm. This device has the capability of outputting voltage amplitudes equal to or greater than the voltage level used to charge the PIN diode.

Abstract: An optically injection locked resonant tunnel diode oscillator assembly hng a resonant tunnel diode (RTD) which, when voltage biased, oscillates at a free running frequency; an optical signal delivery system, such as a light intensity modulator connected to optical fibers; and other oscillator circuitry which one skilled in the art could readily adapt to the concepts of the present invention. In operation, the free running oscillation of the RTD can be locked to the phase and frequency of the intensity modulated optical signal delivered via the optical signal delivery system. This injection locking occurs as the modulation frequency approaches the free running oscillation frequency.

Abstract: An antenna array includes several antenna elements, each having a microstrip transmission line which includes a strip conductor and a ground plane conductor separated by a dielectric substrate; an antenna portion of the substrate being adapted to enable energy within the substrate to radiate away from the microstrip transmission line. The substrate may have greater capacitance at the antenna portion than other portions of the substrate. The antenna portion is adapted to permit RF energy to the microstrip transmission line to be directionally radiated away from the microstrip transmission line at the antenna portion, the direction of radiation being a function of the frequency of the supplied energy and the antenna slot separation. The individual antenna elements are connected, preferably in pairs, to switching elements, preferably microstrip-type circulators, providing a switchable transmission path from an RF input to a selected antenna element.

Abstract: The coil of a solenoid has a pair of cylindrical, superconductive bands ped coaxially about its exterior. The bands are mounted for movement axially along the outer surface of the coil. The bands are used to shape and redirect the flux lines of the solenoid. The bands are placed near the midpoint of the coil. Sufficient current is applied to the coil to immerse the bands in a field greater than the critical field Hc, thereby switching off the superconductive state of the bands and causing flux lines from the coil to intersect the bands. Next, the field is reduced below the critical field Hc, switching on the superconductive state of the bands. The bands are then moved to the ends of the coil, reshaping the field of the solenoid into a more uniform configuration as they move. In an alternate embodiment, the superconductive state of the bands is switched on by lowering their temperature below the critical temperature while the coil is producing its desired or working field.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a fiber optic switch which utilizes Kerr ells to change the polarization of light passing through a pair of polarizers when an electric field is applied to the Kerr cell. The fiber optic switch is comprised of a pair of transparent polarized panels which have the same index of refraction, a pair of transparent electrodes which are electrically connected to a power source and an electric switch and which are sandwiched between the transparent polarized panels, and a layer of anisotropic material which fills the space between the electrodes.

Abstract: A monolithic millimeter wave balanced mixer in which two Schottky barrier odes receive combined power from. Two Schottky barrier diodes receive combined power from an RF source and local oscillator in a gallium arsenide image guide. The diodes produce an intermediate frequency which is directed to a microstrip low pass filter.

Abstract: A Blue-Green spectral Filter and two polaroid filters are assembled within rotating barrel assembly to both limit light source emissions to a selected light spectrum and control light intensity in order to prevent enemy night vision device detection. The rotating barrel assembly can be manufactured to attach to any type of light source. In addition, environmental protection from rain and dust is maintained through O-ring seals.