Applications of Microwave Solid State Power Sources—An Overview
Gerald Schaffner · 1978
This 1978 overview documented the commercial expansion of microwave power sources that became ubiquitous in modern electronics.
Plain English Summary
This 1978 technical overview examined microwave solid-state power sources including IMPATT diodes, Gunn diodes, and GaAs field-effect transistors for commercial applications. The study cataloged technical parameters for various microwave power devices entering the market. This represents early documentation of microwave technology proliferation that would later become ubiquitous in consumer electronics.
Why This Matters
While this appears to be purely technical documentation from 1978, it captures a pivotal moment in microwave technology development. The IMPATT diodes, Gunn diodes, and GaAs transistors discussed here became foundational components in radar systems, satellite communications, and eventually consumer devices like microwave ovens and early wireless communications. What makes this historically significant is the timing - this was written just as these microwave power sources were transitioning from military and industrial applications into civilian markets. The reality is that this technical proliferation occurred with virtually no consideration of biological effects. These same microwave frequencies and power levels that engineers were optimizing for efficiency would soon surround us in our homes and workplaces, yet health implications weren't part of the engineering equation.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Show BibTeX
@article{applications_of_microwave_solid_state_power_sources_an_overview_g5193,
author = {Gerald Schaffner},
title = {Applications of Microwave Solid State Power Sources—An Overview},
year = {1978},
}