Coupled cavity gyrotron-traveling-wave-tube amplifier

Abstract

The present invention is a coupled cavity gyrotron-traveling-wave-tube amplifier which produces highly efficient, broad band millimeter wave radiation. The present invention comprises an electron gun, a double ridged coupled cavity interaction circuit and a beam collector. In operation the gun injects a gyrating electron beam through a beam tunnel of a side wall of the coupled cavity. When the electron beam phase is synchronized with the rf phase of the transverse electric mode in the coupled cavity circuit, the electron beam is modulated and amplifies the rf input signal through the negative mass instability called electron cyclontron instability. The coupled cavity design of the interaction circuit effctively slows the rf-wave velocity, allowing amplification of the rf- wave over a broad band. This t ype of broad band microwave energy is highly useful in radar, communications and jamming technology.

We claim: 
     
       1. A Gyrotron Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier comprising: a coupled cavity circuit having a front and a back;   means for coupling an rf signal and an electron beam to said coupled cavity circuit, said coupling means attached to said front of said coupled cavity circuit, said coupling means recieving said rf signal and said electron beam said rf signal and said electron beam being coupled as said electron beam and rf signal copropagate therethrough;   means to decouple said rf signal and said electron beam, said decoupling means attached to said back of said coupled cavity circuit, said decoupling means recieving said coupled electron beam and said rf signal from said coupled cavity circuit and decoupling said rf signal from said electron beam causing said rf signal to propagate therethrough;   wherein said rf signal and electron beam interact as they propagate through said coupled cavity circuit resulting in the amplification of said rf signal.