High-power K-band silicon avalanche-diode oscillators

Large-size silicon avalanche diodes operating at a current density of over 8000 A/cm
²
have produced pulsed power output of 17 W at 24.0 GHz, and 28 W at 10.5 GHz. A decrease in average voltage up to 25 percent has been observed across the diode during oscillation at its peak power output. This and other experimental results are discussed in terms of a "quenched-plasma" effect in the diode.