optimally designed to operate below its su00e4tigung wanderfeldru00f6hre

摘要

A traveling wave tube (10) and method of operation is disclosed. The traveling wave tube (10) includes a slow wave structure (SWS) (14) such as a helix member (26) provided with input and output ends (28, 30) and located within a tube member (38). An electron gun assembly (12) is adjacent the input end (28) for injecting electrons as an electron beam (18) along an axial path through the helix member (26). A magnetic focusing device (50) generates a magnetic field having a given strength to confine the beam (18). The given strength of the magnetic field is sufficient to confine the beam (18) only when the power level of the microwave input signal is selected such that the given power level of the microwave output signal is at least 6 dB lower than the power level of the microwave output signal at saturation. Supporting rods (44) oriented in the "C" direction are engaged between the helix and tube members (26, 38) for supporting and transferring heat away from the helix member (26). IMAGE