Abstract: A low-voltage, multi-beam, multi-MW RF source that operates at a voltage less than or equal to approximately 60 kV and generates at least one MW. The RF source includes a cathode configured to generate a plurality of beamlets. An input cavity and output cavity are common to the plurality of beamlets. A plurality of gain cavities are provided between the input and output cavities, each having a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of beamlets. The power source may further include a plurality of cathodes, each cathode generating a plurality of beamlets, wherein the input and output cavities are common to the plurality of beamlets from each of the plurality of cathodes, and a separate set of gain cavities are provided for each cathode. A single cathode version generates approximately 2.5 MW, and a four cathode version having four independent cavity systems and a common magnetic system generates approximately 10 MW.

Abstract: A low-voltage, multi-beam, multi-MW RF source that operates at a voltage less than or equal to approximately 60 kV and generates at least one MW. The RF source includes a cathode configured to generate a plurality of beamlets. An input cavity and output cavity are common to the plurality of beamlets. A plurality of gain cavities are provided between the input and output cavities, each having a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of beamlets. The power source may further include a plurality of cathodes, each cathode generating a plurality of beamlets, wherein the input and output cavities are common to the plurality of beamlets from each of the plurality of cathodes, and a separate set of gain cavities are provided for each cathode. A single cathode version generates approximately 2.5 MW, and a four cathode version having four independent cavity systems and a common magnetic system generates approximately 10 MW.