Multiple Beam Triode Based RF Sources

There are no compact, high-power, high-efficiency RF sources in the 300 ľ 650 MHz frequency range for ion and proton accelerators and colliders. Inductive output tubes are unable to provide the power levels required, and klystrons are extremely large and expensive in this frequency range. Calabazas Creek Research Inc. is proposing to develop multiple beam triodes to produce high power RF in this frequency range. Triodes can produce RF power at efficiencies approaching or exceeding 90% however, current, single beam devices cannot provide the required power. This program will develop multiple beam triode-based sources to dramatically increase the RF power and achieve efficiencies exceeding 80%. A multiple beam triode will be built and tested with compatible RF cavities with the goal of producing more than 100 kW at 350 ľ 300 MHz. New cavity designs will be investigated to improve performance, and alternative grid-cathode geometries will be investigated to increase power and efficiency and facilitate assembly. Triodes are extremely compact, high efficiency sources of RF power. The first gridded tubes were developed more than a century ago; however, modern design codes and materials now provide resources to dramatically increase the power and frequency. The simple design will reduce the cost of RF sources for ion and proton accelerators for scientific, medical, and industrial applications. If successfully developed, they will provide the most compact, cost- effective RF sources in this frequency range.