Citation
Abstract
Microwave maser amplifiers have been used by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the Deep Space Network for twelve years. Pump frequency requirements have been met mainly with reflex klystron oscillators. Other microwave power sources have been tested for use as maser pump sources. Successful performance tests have been achieved with backward-wave oscillators, crystal-controlled oscillators using solid state multipliers, impatt oscillators, and an impatt noise generator. Current maser pump source requirements have a frequency range of 12.5 to 45 GHz. Power required is approximately 150 mW. Cost, availability, reliability, frequency and power stability, tunability, and power requirement considerations have resulted in the use of klystrons as pump sources for all maser amplifiers now operating in the Deep Space Network.
Details
- Volume
- IX
- Published
- June 15, 1972
- Pages
- 128–136
- File Size
- 1.3 MB