Design and simulation of a broadband, high speed quasioptical beam switch array for moderate pulse reflectometry

High speed, high on-off contrast ratio switches utilizing beam control grid array technology are under development for use in moderate pulse reflectometry. This approach, which utilizes arrays consisting of hundreds of Shottky varactor diodes embedded within an overmoded wave guide, is expected to generate switching times in the 100-500 ps range with high power handling capabilities. The switches are designed for initial wideband operation in V band (50-75 GHz) operation although they can be operated both at lower and higher frequencies, and are intended for use in a moderate pulse reflectometry system such as used on the RTP tokamak. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.