Gridded Sheet Beam Electron Gun for High Power RF Applications

65479 The current generation of high-power radio frequency (RF) sources used in higher energy physics research employ cylindrical electron beams, which require high beam voltages to overcome space charge depression. Sheet beam devices could potentially provide equivalent or higher levels for RF power with reduced space charge, hence, they could operate at lower voltages. By implementing a control and shadow grid, the requirement for pulse compression could be eliminated. This project will develop and test a gridded, sheet beam electron gun for high-power RF applications. Phase I modeled the optical performance of the emitted electron beam and developed a design that meets the requirements for 415-kV,80-MW sheet beam klystron. The design for the electron gun included the gridded emitter, grid support, heat shields, heater package, and mounting structure. In Phase II, the electrical design of the gun will be optimized, and a complete thermomechanical analysis of the gun will be performed. The gun will be built, tested, and delivered to the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center for use in their sheet beam klystron. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology developed should be applicable to sheet beam klystrons, backward wave oscillators, traveling wave tubes, and planar free electron lasers. The reduction in beam voltage should greatly reduce the cost and complexity of power supply systems. Successful implementation of the grid should eliminate pulse compression requirements leading to a dramatic reduction in the cost of future high-energy accelerators.