Multiple-Cavity Masers as 32-GHz LNAs

Improved multiple-cavity ruby masers are under development for use as low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) for receiving very weak radio signals in frequency bands up to and including one centered approximately at 32 GHz. These masers were designed specifically to be incorporated into receivers in ground stations of NASA’s Deep Space Network. The design may be useful in terrestrial cellular telephone terminals where high selectivity and immunity to the generation of intermodulation products may be needed.