Circuitless Electron Beam Amplifier (CEBA).
Abstract
A study is presented for a high power microwave/millimeter wave amplifier (herein called CEBA) that requires no radio frequency (RF) circuit structure. The electron beam is treated as an active dielectric serving the dual purpose of slow-wave circuit and amplification source. Amplification is obtained when beam-wave synchronism is met. The RF wave, generated by an antenna, propagates inside an oversized waveguide and interacts with a solid or hollow electron beam that guides the RF energy. Two theories are presented for achieving an electron beam with isotropic permittivity and permeability characteristics. The electron beam and magnetic field parameters for obtaining this isotropic condition are given and the importance of the cycltron frequency and Doppler effect are described for achieving low voltage and low magnetic field operation. The RF field that can propagate on the electron beam is characterized by the electric field equal to the magnetic field multiplied by the intrinsic impedance and the imaginary j phase factor. The boundary value problem is solved with emphasis on solutions for the lowest order mode. Computer generated design data show the propagation constant and growth factor as functions of frequency for selected values of plasma and cyclotron frequencies; bandwidth characteristics; and beam parameters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA099714
Entities
People
- C. M. De Santis
- L. J. Jasper Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command