Understanding Lateral Field Emitters as an Electron Source in Microwave Vacuum Electron Devices
Abstract
In this work, a new generation of high current density lateral field emitters (LFEs) will be developed and studied as an injected beam electron source. The LFEs will be developed for large arrays (>1M tips) with die specifically designed for use in Microwave Vacuum Electron Devices. Secondary-emission based electron hop funnels will be used to extract the electrons into the interaction space providing shielding of the emitters and improving beam uniformity. We will explore the device and electron physics of the electron hop funnels including operation at high current density, electron energy spread, and modulation limitation. The new LFE-Hop funnel structures will be tested as proof-of-concept in a Crossed-Field Amplifier (CFA). The LFEs will be fabricated and characterized at RMIT while the simulation and experimental characterization of the LFE injected beam source and the experiments will be carried out a Boise State. The teams will collaborate on LFE array designs and the CFA configuration. The resulting research will allow for future programs in the use of LFEs in high power and high frequency microwave vacuum electron devices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2025
- Source ID
- FA23862414056
Entities
People
- Shruti Nirantar
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- RMIT University
- United States Air Force