Abstract: An apparatus that includes a traveling-wave tube having an electron gun having a cathode. The apparatus also includes a first power supply for establishing a first electric potential between the cathode and an anode and for providing an operational current to the cathode to generate a beam of electrons. The apparatus also includes a slow-wave structure having a passage through which the beam of electrons passes. The apparatus also includes a second power supply for providing a voltage to a beam focusing electrode to establish an electric potential between the cathode and the beam focusing electrode. The apparatus also includes a switching module coupled to the first power supply and the second power supply, the switching module providing a current path between the cathode and the beam focusing electrode, wherein the current path is disabled when a biasing current is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A planar helix slow-wave structure with straight edge connections where the structure consists of two arrays of thin, parallel, conductors printed on top and bottom faces of a low-loss dielectric material or substrate, the conductors in the arrays printed on the top and bottom surfaces being inclined at different but symmetric pitch angles on the surface of the planar surface, the conjunction ends of the conductors on the top and bottom faces being connected by vertical conductors with circular rings with a diameter greater than the diameter of the vertical conductors to ensure proper connections between them, and a vacuum tunnel inside the planar helix structure.

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods for a vacuum electronic device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a vacuum electronic device includes a vacuum housing, an array of slow wave structures inside the vacuum housing sharing a common electron beam tunnel, an electron beam input port at a first end of the common electron beam tunnel, and an electron beam output port at a second end of the common electron beam tunnel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a class of mm and sub mm wavelength amplifiers and oscillators operating with miniature helical slow wave circuits manufactured using micro fabrication technology. The helices are supported by diamond dielectric support rods. Diamond is the best possible thermal conductor, and it can be bonded to the helix. The electron beam is transmitted, not through the center of the helix, but around the outside. In some configurations the RF power produced may be radiated directly from the slow wave circuit. The method of fabrication, which is applicable above 60 GHz, is compatible with mass production.

Abstract: A voltage control apparatus used for an electron tube or a power supply apparatus includes a detecting circuit for detecting current flowing through a helix electrode, a voltage-limiting circuit for controlling a potential difference between the helix electrode and the anode electrode based on a predetermined voltage level; and a switch for switching based on an output from the detecting circuit. The switch connects the helix electrode and the anode electrode through the voltage-limiting circuit, or causes a short circuit between the helix electrode and the anode electrode.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a coupled cavity traveling wave tube are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments provide a coupled cavity traveling wave tube including a plurality of core segments arranged in spaced-apart fashion to form an electron beam tunnel, a first longitudinal member adjacent the plurality of core segments alternately extending toward and receding from successive core segments, and a second longitudinal member adjacent to the plurality of core segments alternately extending toward and receding from successive core segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a helical slow-wave structure, including a helix, a metal barrel and several supporting rods. The plurality of supporting rods may be inserted into the lines of the grooves tightly, this increases the contact area between the helix and the plurality of supporting rods. With a proper assembly method, the thermal contact resistance between helix and supporting rod may be decreased. So, the invention may enhance the capability of transferring the heat out of the helical slow-wave structure. The helix may have higher heat capacity, therefore, the helical slow-wave structure may become more firm, and more reliable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a class of mm and sub mm wavelength amplifiers and oscillators operating with miniature helical slow wave circuits manufactured using micro fabrication technology. The helices are supported by diamond dielectric support rods. Diamond is the best possible thermal conductor, and it can be bonded to the helix. The electron beam is transmitted, not through the center of the helix, but around the outside. In some configurations the RF power produced may be radiated directly from the slow wave circuit. The method of fabrication, which is applicable above 60 GHz, is compatible with mass production.

Abstract: A traveling wave amplifier circuit to receive an RF wave and an electron sheet beam and to effect synchronized interaction therebetween. The circuit includes a wave guide having at least a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall. The first wall and the second wall are connected to define an axis of propagation and a rectangular wave guide cross-section that is normal to the axis of propagation. The circuit further includes a plurality of first projections located on an interior surface of the first wall of the wave guide, the first projections being pitched in a direction of the axis of propagation. The circuit further includes a plurality of second projections located on an interior surface of the second wall of the wave guide, the second projections being pitched in a direction of the axis of propagation.

Abstract: A terahertz interaction circuit is provided. The terahertz interaction circuit includes a waveguide and an electron beam tunnel. The waveguide has a folded shape and in which an electromagnetic wave propagates. The electron beam tunnel is formed to penetrate through the waveguide. An electron beam passes through the electron beam tunnel. The waveguide includes a ridge portion in which a portion of a surface of the waveguide protrudes into the waveguide.

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 traveling wave device includes a slow wave circuit supported by a dielectric membrane. The dielectric membrane can have a thickness substantially smaller than a wavelength of operation of the traveling wave device.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a traveling-wave tube having an electron gun having a cathode. The apparatus also includes a first power supply for establishing a first electric potential between the cathode and an anode and for providing an operational current to the cathode to generate a beam of electrons. The apparatus also includes a slow-wave structure having a passage through which the beam of electrons passes. The apparatus also includes a second power supply for providing a voltage to a beam focusing electrode to establish an electric potential between the cathode and the beam focusing electrode. The apparatus also includes a switching module coupled to the first power supply and the second power supply, the switching module providing a current path between the cathode and the beam focusing electrode, wherein the current path is disabled when a biasing current is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A two-dimensional circuit for a traveling-wave tube for millimeter and sub-millimeter electromagnetic waves synchronously interacts with an electron beam in a vacuum electronic microwave amplifier or oscillator. The circuit is a solid body having a length along the tube axis. The solid body has an electrically conductive top section and an electrically conductive bottom section. The top section is configured with a plurality of vertical vanes having a width and height and configured parallel to each other. The bottom section is similarly configured such that when the circuit is viewed in cross section along the length, the vanes on the bottom section are staggered with respect to the vanes on the top section. The top section and the bottom section are separated from each other to define a tunnel through the solid body along the length.

Abstract: The present invention includes a Zener diode connected between a helix electrode and an anode electrode, a transistor that closes or opens a circuit between a cathode and an anode of the Zener diode, a photocoupler for turning ON/OFF the transistor through a phototransistor, a first switch for supplying or cutting off a DC voltage for the photodiode of the photocoupler, a capacitor to which the DC voltage that is to be supplied to the photodiode is applied and a control unit that turns ON the first switch beforehand to apply a DC voltage to the photocoupler and the capacitor and that turns OFF the first switch simultaneously with an application of a helix voltage.

Abstract: An active electronically steered cathode (AESC) applies one or more electromagnetic modes to an input cavity, similar to that used in an inductive output tube. The structure and superposition of these modes creates local electric field maxima, causing the electron emission site or sites to move or be distributed across the surface of the cathode. Changing the amplitude, phase, or frequency of the modes provides time-variable control of the electric field profile, thereby generating electronically steered electron beams. One embodiment employs a pair of orthogonal TM modes driven out of phase, causing the electric field maximum to rotate around an annular cathode, producing a helical beam. Slots in the control grid may be used to segment the helical beam into discrete bunches to provide additional density modulation.

Abstract: A bottom portion of a metal tape is attached to an end portion of a helix. A coaxial inner conductor for input or output of a high frequency signal is fixed by its end portion being interposed between upright surfaces of the metal tape. The metal tape is joined to the coaxial inner conductor by being laser-welded to opposite side surfaces of the coaxial inner conductor.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a traveling-wave tube having an electron gun having a cathode. The apparatus also includes a first power supply for establishing a first electric potential between the cathode and an anode and for providing an operational current to the cathode to generate a beam of electrons. The apparatus also includes a slow-wave structure having a passage through which the beam of electrons passes. The apparatus also includes a second power supply for providing a voltage to a beam focusing electrode to establish an electric potential between the cathode and the beam focusing electrode. The apparatus also includes a switching module coupled to the first power supply and the second power supply, the switching module providing a current path between the cathode and the beam focusing electrode, wherein the current path is disabled when a biasing current is below a predetermined level.

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: The invention relates to a microwave frequency structure for microwave tube comprising a cylindrical vacuum jacket and a device for containing an electron beam in the axis of revolution of the cylindrical jacket. The containing device comprises at least two rows, each containing permanent magnets, each row being aligned either side of and equidistant to the beam-containment axis, the at least two rows containing permanent magnets being of parallelepipedal shapes and having a magnetic polarization parallel to one of its edges in a plane transversal to the axis, their direction of magnetization in the row changing alternately from one containing magnet to another next containing magnet, or preceding containing magnet, to create an alternating periodic magnetic field along the containment axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to vacuum tubes and especially to electron tubes. To produce the tube, and especially an electron collector comprising several electrodes, the electrodes are produced in the form of blocks of ceramic having a high thermal conductivity. The blocks are electrically conducting (at least on the surface). They are preferably made of an insulating ceramic such as aluminium nitride, and are made conductive over part of their surface. The conductive surface part is preferably formed by a conductive ceramic, preferably based on titanium nitride, or on similar conductive ceramic materials. Thus, increased strength, better heat dissipation and weight reduction are achieved.

Abstract: An electron beam amplification device provides trajectory modulation of an electron beam, and includes an electron gun, a modulator, an interceptor, an output circuit, and a collector. The electron gun produces an electron beam. The modulator receives an RF input signal and provides a corresponding electromagnetic field region that alters trajectory of the electron beam in correspondence with the RF input signal. The interceptor has at least one aperture oriented such that the electron beam transmits through the aperture when the electron beam altered by the modulator follows a particular transmission path and impacts upon the interceptor when the electron beam trajectory altered by the modulator follows a path other than the particular transmission path. The output circuit is arranged so that the electron beam transmitted through the interceptor aperture passes therethrough and produces an RF output signal. The collector recovers remaining energy of the electron beam after passing through the output circuit.

Abstract: A collector of an electron tube is formed by using a molybdenum-copper composite material or a tungsten-copper composite material.

Abstract: A traveling-wave tube system and a method for protecting a cathode of a traveling-wave tube system. The system has an electron gun and a power supply that applies an electric potential between a cathode and an anode of the electron gun to generate a beam of electrons. The beam of electrons passes through a passage of a slow-wave structure. A collector electrode collects electrons from the beam of electrons generating a flow of current that flows through an ion trap power supply circuit to generate a DC voltage that is applied to the anode to repel positive ions generated.

Abstract: A device couples energy from an electromagnetic wave to charged particles in a beam. The device includes a micro-resonant structure and a cathode for providing electrons along a path. The micro-resonant structure, on receiving the electromagnetic wave, generates a varying field in a space including a portion of the path. Electrons are deflected or angularly modulated to a second path.

Abstract: A RF amplifier includes a RF input section for receiving a RF input signal. At least one single-sided slow-wave structure is associated with the RF interaction section. An electron ribbon beam that interacts with the RF input supported by the at least one single-sided slow-wave structure so that the kinetic energy of the electron beam is transferred to the RF fields of the RF input signal, thus amplifying the RF input signal. A RF output section outputs the amplified RF input signal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a Zener diode connected between a helix electrode and an anode electrode, a transistor that closes or opens a circuit between a cathode and an anode of the Zener diode, a photocoupler for turning ON/OFF the transistor through a phototransistor, a first switch for supplying or cutting off a DC voltage for the photodiode of the photocoupler, a capacitor to which the DC voltage that is to be supplied to the photodiode is applied and a control unit that turns ON the first switch beforehand to apply a DC voltage to the photocoupler and the capacitor and that turns OFF the first switch simultaneously with an application of a helix voltage.

Abstract: A two-dimensional circuit for a traveling-wave tube for millimeter and sub-millimeter electromagnetic waves synchronously interacts with an electron beam in a vacuum electronic microwave amplifier or oscillator. The circuit is a solid body having a length along the tube axis. The solid body has an electrically conductive top section and an electrically conductive bottom section. The top section is configured with a plurality of vertical vanes having a width and height and configured parallel to each other. The bottom section is similarly configured such that when the circuit is viewed in cross section along the length, the vanes on the bottom section are staggered with respect to the vanes on the top section. The top section and the bottom section are separated from each other to define a tunnel through the solid body along the length.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus for supplying predetermined supply voltages respectively to an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a collector electrode, and a helix of an electron tube. The power supply apparatus comprises an anode switch for turning on/off the anode voltage output, and an anode switch control circuit for controlling the on/off operation of the anode switch such that a pulsed anode voltage is repeatedly applied to the anode electrode a plurality of times at a predetermined period when operation of a helix power supply and a collector power supply is stopped.

Abstract: A bottom portion of a metal tape is attached to an end portion of a helix. A coaxial inner conductor for input or output of a high frequency signal is fixed by its end portion being interposed between upright surfaces of the metal tape. The metal tape is joined to the coaxial inner conductor by being laser-welded to opposite side surfaces of the coaxial inner conductor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a class of mm and sub mm wavelength amplifiers and oscillators operating with miniature helical slow wave circuits manufactured using micro fabrication technology. The helices are supported by diamond dielectric support rods. Diamond is the best possible thermal conductor, and it can be bonded to the helix. The electron beam is transmitted, not through the center of the helix, but around the outside. In some configurations the RF power produced may be radiated directly from the slow wave circuit. The method of fabrication, which is applicable above 60 GHz, is compatible with mass production.

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: An amplifying device comprises an electron gun emitting an electron beam, a collector spaced from the electron gun, the collector oriented to collect electrons of the electron beam emitted from the electron gun, and an interaction structure interposed between the electron gun and the collector. The interaction structure defines an electromagnetic path along which an applied electromagnetic signal interacts with the electron beam. The interaction structure further comprises a plurality of polepieces and a plurality of magnets, the polepieces each having an aligned opening to collectively provide an electron beam tunnel having an axis extending between the electron gun and the collector to define an electron beam path for the electron beam. The polepieces provide a magnetic flux path to the electron beam tunnel from the magnets. More particularly, the interaction structure further includes plural cavities defined therein interconnected to provide a coupled cavity circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide a robust radio frequency (RF) interface for a helix-type traveling wave tube (TWT). As a vacuum device, the RF input to the TWT and the RF output from the TWT are sealed to maintain the vacuum. The disclosed robust RF interface techniques are advantageously less prone to breakage than conventional sealing techniques. In addition, configurations of the disclosed robust RF interface techniques can further exhibit relatively good impedance matches between a TWT and an associated antenna, which can reduce insertion losses and reflection losses, thereby advantageously increasing system RF output power.

Abstract: A collector for an electron beam tube comprises a plurality of electrode stages. The electrode stages are spaced from one another by a non-conductive spacer. The non-conductive spacer is located between portions of electrodes and extends into the collector on a first side and out of the collector on a second side. The non-conductive spacer has an inner portion extending into the collector and an outer portion extending out of the collector and a waisted portion there between. The spacer is held at the waisted portion.

Abstract: An electron beam tube of the type for amplification of RF signals comprising an electron gun, an interaction region within a vacuum, an RF input and an RF output arrangement, the RF output arrangement comprising an output coaxial line and a coaxial divider, wherein the coaxial divider is arranged to divide a signal on the coaxial line into a plurality of signals and wherein the vacuum within the interaction region extends into the coaxial divider.

Abstract: First and second parallel conducting plates include arrayed conducting segments, preferably with specific spacing relative to each other and to the separation of the plates. Currents through the conducting segments are pulsed and phased to produce constructive but unequal interference on the two plates. Among other things, the net result of the interference can produce a net force on the device, and in that manner can be used for propulsion. Preferred devices have up 100 segments or more.

Abstract: A traveling wave amplifier (TWA) comprising two or more amplification modules, the inputs of adjacent amplification modules being connected together by a first inductance component of a first characteristic impedance, a second inductance component of a second characteristic impedance and a third inductance component of substantially the first characteristic impedance, the first characteristic impedance being greater than the second characteristic impedance. The outputs of adjacent modules may be similarly connected together by first, second and third inductance components. The characteristic impedance of the second inductance components is preferably substantially equal to that of the circuits to which the TWA is connected, e.g. 50?. The first and third inductance components have a characteristic of 100?. Such a TWA allows balancing of phase velocities between inputs and outputs of the amplification modules, connection of these around via holes, and extends the frequency capability of the TWA.

Abstract: A power control system for a satellite receiving radio-frequency signals includes a digital processor and a traveling wave tube amplifier system and corresponding traveling wave tube. An anode voltage of the traveling wave tube amplifier system is used to modulate or saturate the current of the electron beam of the traveling wave tube so that the output power of the traveling wave tube amplifier system, from the saturated electron beam, is proportional to a waveform envelope of the radio-frequency signals. The digital processor controls anode and RF input signal amplitudes to the traveling wave tube and predicts necessary corrections.

Abstract: A microwave tube has a configuration in which the connection between an anode electrode and the helix is cut, the helix is grounded, and a current suppression element is provided between the anode electrode and ground voltage for suppressing the continuous time interval of the flow of an excess current to the helix that is caused by discharge to a time interval range that does not threaten damage to the helix, i.e., to a time interval range in which an alarm signal is not supplied.

Abstract: An improved Klystron device is disclosed which has opposed electrostatic (ES) magnetic field generating members which are uniformly spaced along a longitudinal axis to form an electron beam chamber. The ES magnetic field generating members produce a magnetic flux which confines an electron beam passing through the chamber when an alternating current (AC) is imposed upon the magnetic field generating members. An additional improvement includes a chamber formed from a single sheet of electron conductive metal having a ladder-like structure symmetrical about a longitudinal hinge which permits the structure to be folded about the hinge to form a suitable electron beam chamber.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for a traveling-wave tube disclosed herein eliminates a large relay and a relay driving power supply to reduce the size and cost and to make itself tolerable to vibrations and impacts. A first control device turns on, when a potential on a helix electrode rises to a predetermined threshold determined by the ratio of the resistance of a first resistor to the resistance of a second resistor with respect to a potential on a positive heater electrode or a negative heater electrode, to conduct from a first terminal to a second terminal of the first control device. A second control device turns on when the first control device is off to maintain an anode electrode and a cathode electrode at the same potential. The second control device turns off when the first control device turns on to generate a potential difference between the anode electrode and cathode electrode, thereby applying a voltage to the anode electrode.

Abstract: A traveling-wave tube is provided which has a heat radiating structure with good heat conductivity from the collector core to the heat sink. An insulator is disposed around and in contact with the outer peripheral surface of a collector electrode and has a slit in parallel with a tube axis. A radiator is disposed outside of and in contact with the insulator and has a slot formed on the top surface thereof extending in parallel with the tube axis. The radiator also has one or more grooves that insect the slot and receive therein a fastening member having a length shorter than the length of the groove and formed with screwed holes extending through both end portions thereof in the axial direction. By adjusting amounts by which bolts are screwed into the fastening member through the throughholes formed through the radiator, the gaps in the groove between the radiator and both end surfaces of the fastening member can be varied.

Abstract: A slow wave structure for coupling RF energy with an electron beam comprises a co-propagating RF section including a plurality of pins having a uniform separation from the plane of an electron beam axis. An output aperture is positioned a half wavelength from a reflection section comprising a change in depth of the pintles, such that RF energy reflected by the change in pintle depth is added to the RF energy traveling with the electron beam. One or more rows of pintles are removed in the region of the output aperture to enhance coupling to the output aperture. The device may include a beam shaper for shaping the electron beam to surround the pintles, and the beam shaper and pintles may share common channels which are longitudinal to the electron beam axis. The slow wave structure may operate in forward and backward wave modes, and may be used in conjunction with other structures to form amplifiers and oscillators.

Abstract: A traveling wave tube (TWT) amplifier includes a beam forming electrode (BFE) and a BFE modulator having a bias-based keyer so that the TWT amplifier signals are keyed off during periods when RF power is not to be amplified. Biasing the beam forming electrode voltage off relative to cathode voltage effectively shuts down the electron beam without shutting down the power supply minimizes power supply stress and significantly improves reliability, so that low-level RF signal input is not amplified, and no significant RF power is output. Likewise, given that no amplification has taken place, no power associated with the TWT amplification function is consumed. Thus, the only power consumed by the TWT amplifier is that associated with the cathode heater and the electronic power conditioner (EPC) used as the electron beam source.

Abstract: An electrode structure for a vacuum tube is formed by having a ceramic insulating body act as the tube wall. Electrode areas are formed on the inside of the tube by coating the inside of the tube wall with a conductor. These electrode areas are then coupled, as necessary, to external electronic circuits. The coupling may be performed by through-wall connections, metallized abutting connections and other conventional means. The ceramic insulating body may be generally cylindrical in shape and may be formed of a material such as aluminum nitride, beryllium oxide, aluminum oxide and the like.

Abstract: Intensive microwave radiation in particular of great band width and energy over a relatively long period of time in the form of long pulse packets with a high pulse repetition frequency and a very high frequency spectrum can be achieved if microwave irradiation is effected during the discharge of a capacitive high-voltage generator (35) by way of the antenna (26) into a series of successive capacitors (13) to be connected in parallel. They are preferably constructed in the form of a concentric stack, connected to the antenna (26), of which the outer electrodes (16) which are at a reference potential are in the form of a continuous tube within which annular electrodes (15) are disposed on a carrier (20) in axially spaced relationship with each other in such a way that at the same time they act as the electrodes of arc switches (39) for successively switching on subsequent capacitors (13).

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, improved vacuum microtube devices are provided with arrangements for tunably spacing the gate and the cathode. Tuning can be effected by using an electrostaic or magnetic actuator to move the gate on a spring or a rail. Advantageously a feedback arrangement can be used to control the spacing. Magnetic reassembly components can be provided for facilitating release of tube components in fabrication.

Abstract: In a power-supply unit for a microwave tube, voltage between a helix power supply terminal and a cathode power supply terminal is divided into voltage slightly lower than the voltage of a collector power supply terminal. Uni-directional conductive means is provided between a voltage dividing point and the collector power supply terminal, and when the voltage of the collector power supply terminal is about to be lower than voltage at the voltage dividing point while the voltage approximates the voltage of the cathode power supply terminal, the uni-directional conductive means conducts and clamps the voltage of the collector power supply terminal so that the voltage is substantially equal to the voltage at the voltage dividing point.

Abstract: A traveling wave tube includes a glass or other insulating envelope having a plurality of substantially parallel glass rods supported therewithin which in turn support an electron gun, a collector and an intermediate slow wave structure. The slow wave structure itself provides electrostatic focussing of a central electron beam thereby eliminating the need for focussing magnetics and materially decreasing the cost of construction as well as enabling miniaturization. The slow wave structure advantageously includes cavities along the electron beam through which the r.f. energy is propagated, or a double, interleaved ring loop structure supported by dielectric fins within a ground plane cylinder disposed coaxially within the glass envelope.