Abstract: A grid component for use with a vacuum electron device (VED), such as an inductive output tube (IOT), includes a skirt that adds structural support and aids in alignment. The grid component has a dome in which a grid pattern is formed and includes an annular, concentric flange surrounding the dome. The skirt is formed concentrically around the flange. Alignment orifices may be provided in the flange for passage of alignment pins in the assembled product. The grid, flange, and skirt are a unitary component and are formed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or similar process, in which a mandrel is used to provide a deposition surface. The mandrel is placed in a furnace, and a high-temperature CVD process is used to break down a hydrocarbon gas to thereby deposit a pyrolytic graphite coating onto the mandrel. The mandrel may include a skirt template to provide the characteristic skirt.

Abstract: A reflective antenna is provided according to one or more embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a radome having a fixed orientation within the elevation plane. According to another embodiment, a reflective antenna positioned within the radome. The reflective antenna may include a feedhorn configured to provide electromagnetic energy at an operation frequency. In another embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a reflective surface having multiple electromagnetically loading structures. The reflective surface may be curved in the azimuth plane and configured to reflect the electromagnetic energy relative to at least one focal point. According to another embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a support structure configured to position the feedhorn and reflective surface within the radome in order to angularly steer the electromagnetic energy with respect to the elevation plane.

Abstract: A terahertz sheet beam klystron (TSBK) includes an electron gun configured to generate a sheet electron beam and a drift tube through which the sheet beam is propagated. The drift tube is provided with multiple resonant cavities and includes a drift tube circuit including an input RF circuit through which an input RF signal is introduced and an output RF circuit through which an output RF signal is extracted, a collector, and a vacuum envelope. The output RF circuit is configured such that Qe (extraction Q) of the drift tube circuit is comparable to Q0 (unloaded Q) of the drift tube circuit, thereby improving the efficiency of the drift tube circuit.

Abstract: A biasing system for use with a multi-stage depressed collector of a high power amplifier includes one or more adjustable power sources. A power controller provides control signals to the power sources depending on the operational RF power level. For low power applications, biasing of collector electrodes is reduced such that savings in energy costs are realized, and operational temperature and wear are reduced. The control signals are based on values stored in a look-up table. For multiple depressed electrodes, biasing can be controlled in tandem or independently.

Abstract: A deployable microwave phasing structure having a plurality of sub-panels forming a non-planar reflective surface when in a deployed state. In one embodiment, the phasing structure includes a plurality of joints configured to inter-connect the plurality of sub-panels. In one embodiment, the deployable microwave phasing structure includes a folding means for arranging the phasing structure into a plurality of states, the plurality of states including the deployed state and a collapsed state, wherein the collapsed state is characterized by a substantially planar profile.

Abstract: A planar scanning antenna is configured for scanning and tracking. In one embodiment, the planar scanning antenna may include a transducer module configured to provide an electromagnetic beam. According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus may include a first planar dielectric element having an axis of rotation and configured to direct an electromagnetic beam. In one embodiment, a second planar dielectric element oriented adjacent to the first planar dielectric element and having the axis of rotation may be configured to direct electromagnetic energy. The apparatus may further include a mounting structure arranging the transducer module and the first and second planar dielectric elements. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus may include a drive means for positioning the first planar dielectric element independently from the second planar dielectric element.

Abstract: A phasing structure includes a support matrix for a reflective surface which reflects microwaves within an operation frequency band. The reflective surface includes a plurality of adjustable sub-panels. In one embodiment, the phasing structure may include a phasing arrangement of electromagnetically-loading structures supported by the support matrix. The sub-panels may be secured to the support matrix and individually adjustable using a securing means which, in one embodiment, includes one or more differential bolts.

Abstract: A deployable microwave phasing structure having a plurality of planar sub-panels, each of the planar sub-panels having a reflective surface configured to reflect microwaves. In one embodiment, the phasing structure includes a plurality of joints configured to inter-connect the plurality of planar sub-panels to provide a first reflective surface geometry. In one embodiment, the deployable microwave phasing structure includes a plurality of joints configured to inter-connect the plurality of planar sub-panels to provide a first reflective surface geometry. According to another aspect of the invention, the phasing structure includes a phasing arrangement configured to provide an electromagnetic response of a second reflective surface geometry.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for attenuating RF signals propagating within a waveguide. In particular, a plurality of coaxial probes are incorporated into the waveguide for the purpose of attenuating X-band RF signals. In one embodiment, a 7-bit, 3 dB linear digital attenuator is provided having a waveguide in a racetrack configuration. Coaxial probes in communication with the waveguide are adapted to couple energy to and from a signal traveling within the waveguide. The attenuator can also include switches adapted to reflect coupled energy back into the waveguide or pass the coupled energy to a resistive termination.

Abstract: A grid component for use with a vacuum electron device (VED), such as an inductive output tube (IOT), includes a skirt that adds structural support and aids in alignment. The grid component has a dome in which a grid pattern is formed and includes an annular, concentric flange surrounding the dome. The skirt is formed concentrically around the flange. Alignment orifices may be provided in the flange for passage of alignment pins in the assembled product. The grid, flange, and skirt are a unitary component and are formed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or similar process, in which a mandrel is used to provide a deposition surface. The mandrel is placed in a furnace, and a high-temperature CVD process is used to break down a hydrocarbon gas to thereby deposit a pyrolytic graphite coating onto the mandrel. The mandrel may include a skirt template to provide the characteristic skirt.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for attenuating RF signals propagating within a waveguide. In particular, a plurality of coaxial probes are incorporated into the waveguide for the purpose of attenuating X-band RF signals. In one embodiment, a 7-bit, 3 dB linear digital attenuator is provided having a waveguide in a racetrack configuration. Coaxial probes in communication with the waveguide are adapted to couple energy to and from a signal traveling within the waveguide. The attenuator can also include switches adapted to reflect coupled energy back into the waveguide or pass the coupled energy to a resistive termination.

Abstract: A biasing system for use with a multi-stage depressed collector of a high power amplifier includes one or more adjustable power sources. A power controller provides control signals to the power sources depending on the operational RF power level. For low power applications, biasing of collector electrodes is reduced such that savings in energy costs are realized, and operational temperature and wear are reduced. The control signals are based on values stored in a look-up table. For multiple depressed electrodes, biasing can be controlled in tandem or independently.

Abstract: A self-guiding cover assembly for a vacuum electron device (VED) enclosure has a breach lock mechanism for seating the VED into the VED enclosure having a base. The breach lock mechanism has a plurality of guide elements mounted on the VED, a first sleeve mounted on the base and configured to removably receive the VED, and a second sleeve mounted on the base and configured to removably receive the first sleeve and rotate around the first sleeve. The first sleeve has a plurality of vertical slots configured to mate with the plurality of guide elements. The second sleeve has tracks configured to mate with the guide elements. A rotation of the second sleeve pulls the VED into the base for seating the VED.

Abstract: A biasing system for use with a multi-stage depressed collector of a high power amplifier includes one or more adjustable power sources. A power controller provides control signals to the power sources depending on the operational RF power level. For low power applications, biasing of collector electrodes is reduced such that savings in energy costs are realized, and operational temperature and wear are reduced. The control signals are based on values stored in a look-up table. For multiple depressed electrodes, biasing can be controlled in tandem or independently.

Abstract: A self-guiding cover assembly for a vacuum electron device (VED) enclosure (704, 1316) has a cover (1002, 1302), a pair of guide plates, and a pair of guide elements (1304, 1306). The cover has at least one electrical connector (1314) disposed on the inside thereof for mating with a VED. The pair of guide plates is disposed on opposite sides of the outside of the sidewall of the cover. The guide plates each have a track (1310) which guides the guide elements (1304, 1306) mounted on the cover such that the cover is constrained in its motion when opening or closing in order to avoid damaging the connectors to the VED. The cover further comprises a breach lock mechanism for seating the VED into the VED enclosure by rotation of a sleeve (714). The cover (1002, 1302) defines first (1004) and second (1006) chambers separated by a panel 1010. The top of the VED protrudes into the first chamber through an adapter plate 802 having hole 804 for passage of the VED there through.

Abstract: A high voltage direct current contact for a vacuum electron device (VED), including (a) an outer cathode line having a first hollow cylinder having a first VED connection end, (b) a contact block removably positioned within the outer cathode line, having a heater contact and a first threaded stem extending towards the first VED connection end, (c) an inner cathode line removably positioned within the first hollow cylinder and placed in contact with the contact block, the inner cathode line including a second hollow cylinder and a support plate having an opening removably receiving the first threaded stem, and (d) a heater contact line in contact with the heater contact, including a third hollow cylinder and a flange on an exterior thereof, the flange being in contact with the support plate, the third hollow cylinder having a threaded end removably coupled with the first threaded stem.

Abstract: An inductive output tube (IOT) operates in a frequency range above 1000 MHz. An output window may be provided to separate a vacuum portion of the IOT from an atmospheric pressure portion of the IOT, the output window being surrounded by a cooling air manifold, the manifold including an air input port and a plurality of apertures permitting cooling air to move from the port, through the manifold and into the atmospheric pressure portion of the IOT. The output cavity may include a liquid coolant input port; a lower circular coolant channel coupled to receive liquid coolant from the liquid coolant input port; a vertical coolant channel coupled to receive liquid coolant from the lower circular coolant channel; an upper circular coolant channel coupled to receive liquid coolant from the vertical coolant channel; and a liquid coolant exhaust port coupled to receive liquid coolant from the upper circular coolant channel.

Abstract: An inductive output tube (IOT) operates in a frequency range above 1000 MHz. An output window may be provided to separate a vacuum portion of the IOT from an atmospheric pressure portion of the IOT, the output window being surrounded by a cooling air manifold, the manifold including an air input port and a plurality of apertures permitting cooling air to move from the port, through the manifold and into the atmospheric pressure portion of the IOT. The output cavity may include a liquid coolant input port; a lower circular coolant channel coupled to receive liquid coolant from the liquid coolant input port; a vertical coolant channel coupled to receive liquid coolant from the lower circular coolant channel; an upper circular coolant channel coupled to receive liquid coolant from the vertical coolant channel; and a liquid coolant exhaust port coupled to receive liquid coolant from the upper circular coolant channel.

Abstract: Axially symmetric magnetic fields are provided about the longitudinal axis of each beam of a multi-beam electron beam device. The magnetic field symmetry is independent of beam voltage, beam current and applied magnetic field strength. A flux equalizer assembly is disposed between the cathodes and the anodes and near the cathodes of a multi-beam electron beam device. The assembly includes a ferromagnetic flux plate completely contained within the magnetic focusing circuit of the device. The flux plate includes apertures for each beam of the multi-beam device. A flux equalization gap or gaps are disposed in the flux plate to provide a perturbation in the magnetic field in the flux plate which counters the asymmetry induced by the off-axis position of the beam. The gaps may be implemented in a number of ways all of which have the effect of producing a locally continuously varying reluctance that locally counters the magnetic field asymmetry.

Abstract: A waveguide system for passing microwave energy while blocking foreign particles from a moving gas passing through the system is provided. The system includes first and second waveguide sections and a low loss microwave window disposed between the waveguide sections to allow microwave energy to pass from the first waveguide section through the window to the second waveguide section. The system also includes a gas bypass filtration system having a first port in communication with the first waveguide section, a filter element in communication with the first port, and a second port in communication with the filter element and with the second waveguide section. The system of the invention having these features blocks, by means of the window, a gas flowing through the first waveguide section and forces that gas to flow through the gas bypass filtration system so that it enters the second waveguide section only after passing through the filter. A system designed to include a pillbox window is also provided.