Improvements to the Vacuum Power Booster in Microwave

Microwave Power Module (MPM) applications would benefit from improved performance characteristics such as increased electrical efficiency, reduced cooling requirements, and reduced size and weight that are largely determined by the performance of the vacuum power booster MPM component. Technology Service Corporation therefore proposes to improve Microwave Power Module (MPM) performance characteristics by inserting a novel recently developed cold cathode material in the vacuum power booster that (1) eliminates the need for heater filament power and (2) offers the potential to pre-bunch the electron beam, thereby improving the rf efficiency and gain of the power booster. Three subtasks will be performed during Phase I. (1) The cold cathode material will be tested in a planar diode configuration to establish its DC and AC electron emission characteristics, leading to a cathode material electron emission model. (2) This emission model will be used with standard vacuum power booster design tools to analyze the potential improvements this cathode material will have on power booster efficiency and gain. (3) A simplified experimental gun structure will be built and tested for emission and modulation characteristics.