Development of High-Efficiency Power Amplifiers for 350 - 500 MHz

Accelerators used for nuclear physics research require megawatts of radio-frequency energy. These accelerators currently employ vacuum-tube power amplifiers or conventional solid-state amplifiers that are inefficient and therefore consume a great deal of prime power. This project will involve a review of available transistors, an analysis of high-efficiency power-amplifier techniques, and an experimental evaluation of candidate amplifiers. Then an approach to the development of a high power high-efficiency amplifier system, which can meet the needs of DOE laboratories, will be synthesized. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee The high power amplifiers should significantly reduce the amount of prime power used by DOE accelerators, resulting in reductions in operating cost, importation of foreign petroleum, pollution, and green-house gas emissions. In addition, the amplifiers developed could be adapted for use in military communication and jamming, high-field magnetic-resonance imaging, digital-television (HDTV) transmitters, and new applications in the bands vacated by analog television.