Reflector circuit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION According to the present invention, there is provided a reflector circuit for receiving illuminating radiation and emitting corresponding amplified output radiation, the circuit comprising an antenna assembly for receiving the illuminating radiation and providing a corresponding received signal, and processing means for amplifying and storing a portion of the received signal for a period of time for use in generating a corresponding output signal for emission from the antenna assembly as the output radiation, in which the processing means is arranged to provide frequency selective amplification in response to the magnitude of components present in the input radiation.
This provides the advantage that the circuit is capable of modifying its response at frequencies where the illuminating radiation is sufficiently powerful to cause overload, thereby counteracting overload at those frequencies whilst providing an unmodified response to illuminating radiation at frequencies where there is insufficient illuminating radiation power received at the circuit to cause overload therein.
If the circuit responds non-progressively when the magnitude of components in the illuminating radiation exceeds a threshold power level at which the circuit selectively modifies its response to counteract overload or provide compression, a problem arises.
The circuit can therefore be arranged to provide amplification which progressively reduces in response to increased magnitude of components in the illuminating radiation.
This provides an advantage that spurious circuit response is less likely to occur when the magnitude of components in the illuminating radiation is substantially similar to the threshold power level.
In one embodiment of the invention, the processing means can incorporate storing means for storing the portion of the signal for use in generating the output signal, the storing means incorporating a magnetostatic wave device arranged to provide a frequency selective response.
This provides an advantage that the device simultaneously provides a storing function and a frequency selective response, thereby providing a simplified reflector circuit