While we now think of a magnetron as a microwave oven component, they are important in many microwave devices including radar. They are interesting because all they can do is oscillate.

The microwave was invented in 1945 by Raytheon engineer Percy Spencer, who discovered a radar magnetron had melted a nut cluster in his pocket.

The film discusses the function and operation of microwave oscillators in radar systems, focusing on the importance of oscillators like the magnetron and reflex velocity modulated tubes. It ...

A radar magnetron is a sort of electric whistle that, instead of creating vibrating sound, creates vibrating electromagnetic waves.

His work on the magnetron, which vastly improved radar technology, garnered him a Distinguished Public Service Award from the U.S. Navy. But that’s not the work on which he’d hang his hat.

But the cavity magnetron still can be found in general and commercial aviation RADAR systems, as well as the microwave ovens we all know and love. Check the video out after the break.

Original cavity magnetron as used to develop radar. Mrjohncummings, CC BY-SA At the heart of radar technology is the “ magnetron,” the device that produces the radio waves.

A radar magnetron is a sort of electric whistle that, instead of creating vibrating sound, creates vibrating electromagnetic waves.

All modern radar manufacturers now offer a dedicated Bird Mode setting, but sometimes it's better to use manual settings. We show you how.