| Abstract: | An apparatus that includes a varactor element and an integrated
micro-discharge source is disclosed herein. In a general embodiment, the
apparatus includes at least one np junction and at least one voltage
source that is configured to apply voltage across the np junction. The
apparatus further includes an aperture that extends through the np
junction. When the voltage is applied across the np junction, gas in the
aperture is ionized, forming a plasma, in turn causing a micro-discharge
(of light, charge particles, and space charge) to occur. The light
(charge particles, and space charge) impinges upon the surface of the np
junction exposed in the aperture, thereby altering capacitance of the np
junction. When used within an oscillator circuit, the effect of the
plasma on the np-junction extends the capacitance changes of the
np-junction and extends the oscillator frequency range in ways not
possible by a conventional voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). |