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Abstract

A microwave oscillator suitable for millimeter wavelengths comprises a Gunn diode (3) coupled to a waveguide (1) by a resonant-cap structure (5,6). The diode (3) generates microwave energy both at a fundamental frequency f.sub.o which is below the cut-off frequency of the waveguide (1) and at a second harmonic frequency 2f.sub.o above cut-off. To control the generation of microwave energy at 2f.sub.o, energy at f.sub.o is coupled into the waveguide (1) from an adjacent further waveguide (9) above its cut-off, by means of an electric probe (8) extending close to the cap (5). The probe (8) may couple in a locking signal at or close to the free-running value of f.sub.o from another oscillator having better noise performance and electronic tuning, thereby locking 2f.sub.o to twice the frequency of the locking signal, or alternatively may couple to a varactor-tuned cavity resonant at f.sub.o.

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First Claim