Vacuum-Tube Detector and Converter for Microwaves Using Large Electron Transit Angles

The following paper describes experimental and theoretical studies on a new phenomenon of microwave detection and conversion. Vacuum-tube diodes are used, but operating with very large electron-transit angles. It is shown that the cumulative energy received from the microwave field causes electrons to move out of the space charge region more rapidly than under dc conditions. This accounts for the detection and conversion action of the diode when a microwave signal is radiated into the interelectrode space.