Microwave Detection by a Photodiode

Considerable attention has been paid to applications of phototransistors recently. An article in a recent issue of the I.E.E.E. Spectrum (i) has indicated that phototransistors have finally reached the stage of maturity in designs using discrete circuits. In this thesis another application for this class of devices is forwarded--that of a dual mode detector in light-microwave communications systems. In areas where it is dangerous (ii) or inconvenient to work with microwaves this dual mode communications system could serve a vital purpose. In addition the detection properties of this device are of scientific interest