| There is a growing need for compact, lightweight, inexpensive high power millimeter wave sources. Frequency multipliers can provide these sources by efficiently converting high power microwave signals to millimeter frequencies. Quasi-optical frequency multiplier grid arrays, comprised of hundreds to thousands of varactor devices and antennas on a single wafer, utilize spatial power combining to significantly increase power handling capability beyond that of a single device. In this dissertation work, theoretical and experimental investigations of frequency multiplier grid arrays have been conducted with a specific focus on overmoded waveguide systems. The principles of frequency multipliers and quasi-optical grid array power combining are presented. Simulation, design and experimental measurement techniques are described for both frequency tripler and doubler grid arrays. During this dissertation work, several quantum barrier varactor frequency tripler grid array systems and Schottky varactor frequency doubler grid array systems were designed, fabricated and tested. A frequency tripler grid array system, containing an innovative integrated output structure, achieved a multiplication efficiency of 3.4% and an output power of 148 mW. The two most efficient frequency doubler grid array systems achieved 11.7% multiplication efficiency and 0.41 W output power. |
