Detecting Microwave Signals (X-Band) Using Glow Discharge Detectors

The use of neon indictor lamp glow discharge detectors (GDDs) has a relatively great potential for a number of microwave detecting and imaging applications. This is so because of their many advantages which include but not limited to; low cost, fast response time and wider dynamic range. In this paper we experimentally examine the microwave interaction with these GDDs in that the effect of the distance between the signal source of 10.5GHz and the GDD on the signal peak to peak voltage (Vpp) for peculiar modulation frequencies is analyzed. The most efficient modulation frequency is found to be 200kHz followed by 250kHz. Nonetheless, it is observed that the Vpp is higher when the signal source is closer to the GDD.