The first century of microwaves-1886 to 1986

• Published in: IEEE transactions on microwave theory and techniques 1988-05, Vol.36 (5), p.830-858
• Main Author: Bryant, J.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electromagnetic scattering; Electromagnetic spectrum; Engineering profession; Microwave circuits; Microwave devices; Microwave theory and techniques
• ISSN: 0018-9480; 1557-9670
• DOI: 10.1109/22.3602

The author reviews the first century of experiments into microwaves, which he considers began with the experiments of Heinrich Hertz, between 1886 and 1889, using what are now called microwave circuits and techniques. Hertz's thorough investigations validated the Faraday-Maxwell theory of electromagnetism, opened up the electromagnetic spectrum between DC and light for scientific and practical uses, and opened up a new line of investigation in the ultraviolet. The author's work is in two parts. Two of the objectives of the first part are to identify, and establish a uniform nomenclature for, the apparatus used by Hertz in his experiments, and to serve as a guide to the understanding of the work of Hertz in electromagnetics, especially his experiments. After briefly reviewing Maxwell's contributions, Hertz's career is discussed with emphasis on the work in understanding and using Maxwell's work (the Berlin Prize Problem). The discovery by Hertz of a method to generate and detect electromagnetic waves is then detailed. The second part outlines his succeeding work to the early 1940s. Examples of some of the ensuring advances described are drawn from a search of historical records and from personal correspondence and interviews with some pioneers in microwave devices and applications.< >