Multiple Beam Power Grid Tubes for High Frequency and High Power Operation

There are no compact, high-power, high-efficiency RF sources in the 300 – 650 MHz frequency range for ion and proton accelerators and colliders. Inductive output tubes are unable to provide the power levels required, and klystrons are extremely large and expensive in this frequency range. Calabazas Creek Research Inc. is proposing to develop multiple beam, gridded tubes to produce high power RF in this frequency range. Gridded tubes, such as triodes and tetrodes, routinely provide RF power with high efficiency at these frequencies; however, current, single beam devices cannot provide the required power. This program will use modern, 3D analysis tools and techniques to dramatically increase the available power from gridded tubes and achieve efficiencies exceeding 80%. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Triodes and tetrodes are extremely compact, high efficiency sources of RF power. The first gridded tubes were developed more than a century ago; however, modern design codes and materials now provide resources to dramatically increase the power and frequency. The simple design will reduce the cost of RF sources for ion and proton accelerators for scientific, medical, and industrial applications. If successfully developed, they will provide the most compact, cost- effective RF sources in this frequency range.