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A mode-locked picosecond laser has been used to prebunch electron beams at a photocathode. These electrons are subsequently accelerated through coupling structures and microwaves radiated. The relation between the microwave output and the properties of the picosecond pulse train and the electron beam output coupling process are reported and related to theory. Among the important attributes of these devices are their ability to generate almost arbitrary microwave waveforms, to operate in the 100–200 kV region with very simple power supplies and excellent spectral purity, and to generate substantially more microwave power than contained in the optical drive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]