Čerenkov maser operation at lower-mm wavelengths

Abstract

The basic operating principles of Čerenkov maser oscillators are briefly reviewed and the experimental performance of a 3-mm device is discussed. A power level of approximately 100 kW was achieved at 88 GHz and voltage tuning from 84 to 128 GHz on the fundamental TM01 mode was observed. Operation on higher-order modes at frequencies up to 300–320 GHz was demonstrated, and a two-stage buncher-amplifier configuration was investigated.