Transverse field interaction multibeam amplifier

Abstract

A transverse field interaction multi-beam amplifier device comprising a structure having, for example, a plurality of discrete cathodes cylindrically located in succession along a central axis of RF propagation. In registration with the cathodes are a respective number of annular collectors located within an outer cylinder which also acts as the structure housing. Intermediate the cathodes and collectors are two additional coaxial cylinders, one having a relatively smaller diameter than the other, with the smaller diameter cylinder including respective number of discrete grids, while the larger cylinder comprises a structure preferably having a rippled or undulating slow wave wall surface and a respective number of annular slots formed therein. The cathodes emit radial beams of electrons which pass through and are bunched by the grids and then accelerated by the slots to the collectors while interacting with and being modulated by an input RF beam propagating along the central axis of the coaxial structure between a first pair of cylinder walls including the grids and cathodes and inducing an output beam in a second pair of cylinder walls including the slots in the slow wave wall surface and the grids.