Generation of harmonics and subharmonics at microwave frequencies with p-n junction diodes

A P-N junction microwave diode has been developed which promises to be a much more effective harmonic generator &an the point-contact crystal rectifier. In addition, the junction diode can generate subharmonics. It also has greater power handling capability than the rectifier. This P-N junction diode is called a non-linear capacitor, or “varactor,” as distinguished from the rectifier, which is a nonlinear resistor. The varactor diode is a charge storage device in which capacitance may vary rapidly with voltage over a certa.in range. Its use as a low-noise amplifier has been discussed elsewhere.