The Generation of Microwave Radiation from InSb

Abstract

The generation of microwave radiation of frequencies 6 kMc and higher was observed to occur in n- and p-type InSb. The results are summarized as follows: (1) Electron-hole pairs are necessary to generate microwave radiation; (2) A sharp change in the behavior of the I–V curve appears at the onset of microwave emission; (3) The frequency of the generated microwaves is not monochromatic; (4) A decrease in thickness of the sample resulted in an increase in the detected power; but whether this is due to an actual increase or a shift of frequency is not yet clear; (5) The electric field and current conditions which are necessary for the observation of microwave power change with magnetic field; and (6) In the present experiments, an external magnetic field was found necessary for the generation of microwave power. A transverse magnetic field was much more effective than a longitudinal field.