Development of a Miniature Dielectric Traveling-Wave Tube

This project will involve the development of a novel miniature dielectric traveling-wave tube (DTWT) that will provide short-wavelength radiation for numerous civilian and military applications. The MWS is based on the interaction of an electron beam withthe electromagnetic fields of a traveling wave inside a very compact dielectric waveguide. Our initial studies show the DTWT will offer order of magnitude improvements in the overall size, weight and frequency when compared to conventional helixtraveling-wave tubes which will make these new devices less complex, more affordable, and readily available for a wide range of applications. Some of the applications for these devices include high-resolution radar, satellite telecommunications systems,power beaming, and the microwave power module. Also, due to its small size and high frequency of operation, it should be suitable for airborne and mobile applications, as well as other commercial applications where size, weight, and efficiency arecritical. Detailed experimental analysis of this concept is proposed during Phase I in order to evaluate key issues such as bandwidth, maximum output power, efficiency and gain. Once successfully developed, the DTWT will be the basis for a newgeneration of millimeter-wave sources capable of producing ultrahigh frequency radiation with high efficiency in a very compact and lightweight package. If successful, the dielectric traveling-wave tube should efficiently provide coherent high-frequencyradiation for many applications. Of particular interest are millimeter-wave sources for airborne radar, satellite communications, wireless television and communications, cellular telephones, and the microwave power module.