Efficient generation of multigigawatt rf power by a klystronlike amplifier

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Abstract
This article addresses the new development of high-power rf klystronlike amplifiers using modulated intense relativistic electron beams. Development of these amplifiers follows earlier research in which the interaction between a high-impedance (120-Ω) intense relativistic electron beam and a low-power rf pulse resulted in the generation of coherent bunches of electrons with excellent amplitude and phase stabilities. In the present experiment a low-impedance (30-Ω) large-diameter (13.2-cm) annular electron beam of power ∼8 GW was modulated using an external rf source (magnetron at 1.3 GHz) of 0.5 MW power. The interaction of the modulated electron beam with a structure generated a 3-GW rf pulse that was radiated into the atmosphere. The self-fields of the intense beam provided significant electrostatic insulation against vacuum breakdown at the modulating gaps and at the rf extraction gap.