High-power microwave pulse measurement using resistive sensors

Resistive sensors based on the electron heating effect in semiconductors are used for microwave pulse-power measurement in the waveguide. The substitution procedure of replacing a microwave electric field by a dc electric field is proposed for the calibration of the resistive sensor in the medium-power range. The difference of readings between the calibrated resistive sensors and the former Soviet Union pulse-power standard was found to be less than 4%. Two calibrated sensors have been compared with the standard since 1982. A deviation in the range of /spl plusmn/4% from the standard power meter was found during this long-term experiment. A diaphragm-type resistive sensor has also been developed for the microwave pulse measurement at high power.