Waveguide Plasma Switch
Jones Microwave’s waveguide plasma switch is a light-activated, solid-state RF switching technology that delivers electromechanical-class performance with solid-state speed, reliability, and scalability from microwave to sub-THz frequencies.
The platform enables low-loss, high-power, and high-isolation switching within waveguide structures in a robust solid-state form factor, designed for integration into advanced RF systems. Our design with DC control (TTL) enables flexible optical interfacing while maintaining complete isolation from the RF path.
Key Capabilities
Controllable attenuation and
reflective-to-absorptive operationSolid-state switching with no moving parts for enhanced reliability
Wideband operation within standard waveguide bands up to sub-THz
Flexible optical control via integrated or remote light source with DC interface
High-power handling with reduced footprint vs electromechanical solutions
Key Features & Performance*
SPST / SPDT / SPnT / Attenuators
Frequency Coverage: Up 220+ GHz
Insertion Loss: < 0.5 dB @ 220 GHz
Isolation: > 50 dB
Switching Speed: < 4 µs
Linearity (IIP3): > +75 dBm
Power Handling: 100s of watts pulsed
*Waveguide plasma switches are custom-designed for frequency band, waveguide standard, power level, and packaging requirements.System-Level Capabilities
High-power and low-loss RF path routing and control within waveguide systems
Aperture-level switching for phased array and distributed antenna architectures
Dynamic reconfiguration of RF paths and system functionality
Scalable integration across wideband waveguide networks or subsystems
Flexible optical interfacing enabling distributed or external control architectures
New classes of reconfigurable high-power solid-state waveguide-based RF systems
Use Cases
PHASED ARRAYS
SATCOM
ADVANCED RADAR & EW
TEST & MEASUREMENT
Custom Solutions
Working on a unique challenge? We partner with customers to develop tailored RF solutions.
Our Platform Technology
Light-activated solid-state plasma microwave to sub-THz technology.
Planar Plasma Switch
DC to 110+ GHz platform for compact, high-power, low-loss, high-speed RF switching.