Low-Cost, High-Efficiency Triode Magnetrons for Accelerator Applications

High efficiency, low cost RF sources are required for proton, ion, and muon accelerators. These sources must be compact and provide precise control of the output power. Currently only large, expensive klystrons can provide this performance. Calabazas Creek Research Inc. proposes to develop a triode magnetron that incorporates a grid for precise control of the output power. The grid may also be useful for phase locking two or more magnetrons for power combining. The program will use advanced, 3D, time dependent codes to analyze magnetron electrical performance and 3D finite element codes to analyze the thermomechanical performance. The goal will be development of a robust, low cost, high efficiency RF source for applications requiring precise control of the output power. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Magnetrons can provide high levels of RF power at very high efficiency at low cost. As oscillators, however, their applications are limited. Magnetrons with more precise control of the output power could find wide application in accelerators and colliders. They would also provide improved performance for high resolution radar.