Surface Wave Delay Line Amplifiers

The subject of acoustoelectric surface wave delay line amplification is reviewed. Two amplifier configurations are defined: the combined medium amplifier (CMA), and the separated medium amplifier (SMA). These configurations are compared and the problems associated with each one defined. A more detailed description of the SMA is given along with experimental results. A brief analysis is presented; two material constants are defined, and then used to compare materials in terms of SMA applicability at high frequencies.