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Abstract

A microwave switch selectively directs a microwave signal along first and second signal paths. The switch includes a microwave transmission member, a microwave chamber formed by the transmission member for containing an ionizable gas, input and output ports formed by the transmission member to communicate with the microwave chamber and a triggered plasma generator which is configured to generate, in response to a voltage trigger signal, a trigger electron density N.sub.t in the gas. The microwave signal increases the trigger electron density N.sub.t to a reflective electron density N.sub.r. Consequently, the microwave signal is reflected along a first path from the input port when the trigger electron density N.sub.t is present and is directed along a second path to the output port when the trigger electron density N.sub.t is absent. A plurality of these microwave switches is arranged to form a tunable microwave short.

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First Claim