Development of a Basic Microwave Optics Kit Using Reverse Engineering

Abstract

          This research aims to develop a basic microwave optics experimental kit for undergraduate education in physics and engineering. The kit was developed using reverse engineering techniques combined with low-cost and second-hand components, such as a Gunn diode. It includes a DC power supply, a non-inverting amplifier, a Gunn oscillator, a horn antenna, and a diode detector. The system's performance was evaluated through two experiments: wavelength measurement and analysis of the polarization characteristics of electromagnetic waves. The results show that the system produces microwave signals with an average frequency of 9.2 ± 0.3 GHz and wavelengths between 3.0 and 3.4 cm, with an average relative error of approximately 3%. Furthermore, the variation in signal strength with grating angle was consistent with theoretical predictions, confirming the kit’s suitability as a cost-effective and practical instructional tool for undergraduate-level microwave optics education.