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Terry F Godlove

Frederick M Mako

The present invention is based on a relatively simple mechanism which heretofore has not been tried before. The mechanism depends on modulation of a collimated beam transverse to the beam direction rather than the usual longitudinal modulation. Conversion of the transverse motion into longitudinal bunching in an output cavity is accomplished by means of the difference in path length in a bending magnet. Since the present invention does not depend on longitudinal modulation, it is suitable for pulsed superpower (1 GW) applications, but it can be equally suited for multi-megawatt cw applications. The present invention pertains to an apparatus for bunching relativistic electrons. The apparatus comprises means for imparting a periodic velocity in a first direction in a first region to electrons of an electron beam moving in a second direction. The apparatus also is comprised of means for causing electrons to follow a path length in a second region corresponding to the velocity in the first direction such that the path length is determined by the velocity imparted in the first direction. The differing path length causes beam electrons to be bunched as they exit the second region, allowing microwave power to be extracted from the bunches by conventional means.

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Fort Washington, MD, United States of America

Terry F Godlove