Accession Number:

AD0275760

Title:

THE TUNNEL DIODE: A NEW MICROWAVE DEVICE

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV BALTIMORE MD CARLYLE BARTON LAB

Personal Author(s):

• DICKENS,L.E.

Report Date:

1962-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

1.0

Abstract:

The heavily doped semiconductor diode tunnel diode exhibits a negative resistance characteristic over a small voltage range in the forwardbiased direction, typically of the order of several tenths of a volt. A brief history is given of the discovery of this negative resistance characteristic. The nature of the discovery, essentially the tunneling effect as predicted by the theories of quantum mechanics, is discussed. Also to be considered are the basic questions of frequency limitation of the tunnel diode and its relative merits as compared with the parameteric amplifier and the maser. The analysis includes the development of the equivalent circuit and demonstrates its use. The equivalent circuit shows not only the necessary R, L, and C components but also the sources of electrical noise. The negative resistance amplifier and the frequency converter are examined for gain, bandwidth, noise figure, and stability. Finally, some general notes are presented on both the amplifier and the frequency converter, and their applications. Autthor

Descriptors:

• *DIODES
• *SEMICONDUCTORS
• ELECTRICAL NETWORKS
• MICROWAVE AMPLIFIERS
• NOISE(RADIO)
• ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE