New Valves for New Needs by J. S. McPetrie , D.SC., M.I.E.E.
Head of the Radio Department, Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough
One of our greatest war-winning weapons was radar, which was made possible by the development of entirely new types of valves working on very short or micro-waves. These micro-waves have many of the characteristics of light waves: they can be beamed in definite directions, and require only small aerials. Such characteristics make micro-waves
'increasingly important for navigational aids, and for telephone, radio, and television links. They have also led to world-wide efforts to invent new and more efficient micro-wave valves.
This week the Institution of Electrical
Engineers is holding an international symposium, and Dr. McPetrie discusses some of the new ideas that have emerged.