Abstract:
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for generating a very fast electron pulse (30) in a vacuum. The electron source comprises a pulse-forming line (12), a solid-state switch (14), a cold field-emitting cathode (16), and an anode grid (18). The anode grid forms a portion of a side of an evacuated circuit (20) that may be used to produce an oscillating output signal or that may be a portion of a waveguide carrying an rf signal to be amplified. In operation, the pulse-forming line is charged to a desirable voltage. The solid-state switch is then closed, coupling the pulse-forming line to the cathode. An electric field develops between the cathode and anode grid. Under the influence of the electric field, the cathode emits an electron current pulse that is attracted by the anode grid. The current pulse enters the region between the anode and closure grids, and interacts with the electromagnetic field in the cavity at the appropriate time to add its energy to the electromagnetic field of the cavity. A group of electron sources can be employed to provide rf generation or wideband amplification in a waveguide circuit through proper timing of the closure of a set of cathode-switch elements configured along the direction of propagation of a wave to be amplified. By proper selection of timing, a very flexible set of output frequencies and waveforms may be obtained. The propagating waveguide circuit may also be made resonant by shorting both ends, and configured for pulse-to-pulse frequency diversity by properly timing the cathode-switch current sources to generate alternative frequencies. The multiple-source resonant circuit can also be used to generate very high peak power pulses by using the set of cathode-switch sources repetitively to build up a high voltage across the cavity, with the output load disconnected, and then to discharge the built-up voltage into the load by closing a switch in the output circuit at the appropriate time.
Abstract:
A sub-nanosecond rise time megavolt pulse generator is disclosed. The generator utilizes an induction energy store together with electron beams for generating a sub-nanosecond high voltage pulse wave-front. The electron beams are deflected to establish the wave-front. In a preferred form multiple electron beams together with a waveguide of particular shape provide simultaneous converging wave-fronts that are directed to a local area.
Abstract:
A circuitless particle beam device for relatively high frequency amplifierr oscillator applications that eliminates the requirement for an internal RF slow wave structure. A circularly polarized RF energy wave propagates on a relatively high density particle beam within an oversized waveguide and interacts with the beam which exhibits a relatively high dielectric constant. The high density beam acts as an active dielectric waveguide serving the dual purpose of a slow wave circuit and amplification source, and accordingly guides and amplifies the RF energy when a condition of beam and wave synchronism is met.
Abstract:
Amplifying and oscillating devices wherein an element beam from an appropriate electron gun is directed through an apertured microwave cavity resonator means and bombards a coaxially mounted semiconductor p-n junction. In the case of an amplifier, an input r-f signal is coupled into the cavity resonator and modulates the electron beam. In the case of an oscillator, a pair of closely coupled microwave cavities is used to achieve the feedback essential to oscillation. In either case, a microwave cavity resonator means can be tuned mechanically or thermally.