Abstract: A signal output assembly for an inductive output amplifier comprises a primary output cavity including a drift tube enclosing a modulated electron beam. The density modulated beam passes across a gap separating portions of the drift tube and induces an amplified RF signal into the primary output cavity. A secondary output cavity comprises a coaxial resonator terminated in an inductive coupling loop, and a waveguide having a ridge. The coaxial resonator and the inductive coupling loop have a combined electrical length approximately equivalent to an odd multiple of one-quarter wavelengths of the input signal (n&lgr;/4), where n is an odd integer. The coaxial resonator is electrically connected perpendicularly to a center of the ridge such that first and second portions of the ridge extend in opposite directions from the connection with the coaxial resonator to respective ends of the waveguide.

Abstract: A vacuum tube for handling an r.f. signal having a predetermined frequency range comprises a cathode, a heater, and a non-electron emissive grid. The grid is positioned from the cathode by the distance an emitted electron from the cathode can travel in a quarter cycle of the r.f. signal. Outer and inner metal tubes forming a resonant line of a signal coupler are respectively connected to the grid and cathode. R.F. absorbers absorb r.f. fields in an interaction region between an anode and the grid. In one embodiment a coupling loop is between metal tubes at an end of the tubes spaced n.lambda./4 from the grid and cathode. In a second embodiment the coupler includes a coaxial line having an inner conductor connected to a first metal face, spaced from a second opposed metal face by a solid dielectric. An outer conductor is connected to a third metal face, spaced from a fourth opposed metal face by the dielectric. The third and fourth faces surround the first and second faces.

Abstract: A vacuum tube for handling an r.f. signal having a predetermined frequency range comprises a linear electron beam emitting cathode, a heater and a non-electron emissive current modulating grid. The grid is positioned from the cathode by the distance an emitted electron from the cathode can travel in a quarter cycle of the r.f. signal. Outer and inner coaxial metal tubes forming a resonant line of a signal coupler are respectively connected to the grid and cathode so electrons passing through the grid are in bundles in an interaction region between an accelerating anode and the grid. Ferrite tiles absorb r.f. fields in the interaction region. In one embodiment a signal coupling loop is between metal tubes at an end of the tubes spaced 3.lambda./4 from the grid and cathode. In a second embodiment the coupler includes a low voltage coaxial line having an inner conductor connected to a first metal face, spaced from a second opposed metal face by a solid dielectric.

Abstract: An efficient relatively high-power inductive output linear electron beam tube with broad-band capabilities is disclosed which is density modulated with a grid applying to the beam an RF modulating signal. The grid has a large active area which may be of the order of ten square inches, is closely spaced one-twentieth the grid diameter or less to a thermionic cathode, and is comprised of a plurality of curved thin narrow elongated members. With the aid of an annular anode downstream of the grid, the beam is accelerated by DC potential of at least several kilovolts. A high-isolation input signal means includes adjacent but physically and electrically isolated wide-diameter, axially reduced annular cathode and grid lead means for leading both the DC beam-accelerating potential into the cathode, and the modulating RF signal into the grid with minimal impedance.

Abstract: In a high-power grid-controlled electron tube, a common anode receives electrons from a modular electron source having a common support structure to which are attached a plurality of modules. Each module has at least one cathode and grid mounted on a base which is individually attached to the support structure. The grids are approximately flat sheets of carbon with apertures to pass the electrons. Pyrolytic graphite is a preferred grid material.