Rf Pulse Compression via Te01 Optically Controlled Multi- Megawatt Microwave Switch

We present the design and experimental results of an optically controlled high power pulse compression system. The rf parameters of the system are chosen to fit the requirements of the X-band Next Linear Collider design at SLAC. The system is based on the switched resonant delay line theory [1]. The high power microwave switch, required for this system, is realized using optical excitation of an electron-hole plasma layer on the surface of a pure silicon wafer. Previously, we showed that the power handling capability of such a switch is greatly affected by the end effects present at the interface between the silicon wafer and the supporting waveguide[2]. To avoid end effects the switch is designed to operate in the TE01 mode in a circular waveguide. We present the theory and design of this novel type of switch, as well as the results of its experimental implementation.