A Novel Beam Bunching Concept for Millimeter Wave Tubes.
Abstract
A unique electron beam bunching concept has been presented, analyzed, and applied to the development of a novel tube approach. The analysis provides a design base for a new class of millimeter wave tubes. These tubes will be compact, lightweight, reliable, and low cost due to the simplicity of design and construction in comparison to conventional thermionic tubes with magnets. Furthermore, the analysis shows that useful RF gain and efficiency can be achieved at moderate accelerator voltages, which makes possible the use of simplified, low cost, lightweight, power supplies and modulators. Theoretical considerations have been confirmed by evaluation of an experimental multipactor collector model. Furthermore, the results have demonstrated that the electron bunching can be generated and controlled by low RF drive (lesa than 1 watt), and that the currents generated are useful for new tube approaches. Although experiments were conducted at 5 GHz, the results are applicable for devices operating at millimeter wave frequencies. A 5 GHz prototype tube design has been formulated, and component parts for the tube have been machined and cold-tested. The tube is presently being assembled for subsequent processing and evaluation. It is expected that this simplified, two-cavity design will demonstrate useful gain and efficiency, and provide the technology base for developing new tube prototypes for Army millimeter wave system applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA117107
Entities
People
- Calvin Bates
- Joseph Hartley
- Paul Fischer
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command