Repetitive operation of an L-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator with metal array cathode

Journal Article · Fri Apr 15 04:00:00 EDT 2016 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4945584· OSTI ID:22597137

Qin, Fen ^[1]; Wang, Dong; Xu, Sha; Zhang, Yong ^[2]; Fan, Zhi-kai ^[1]

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1. Graduate School, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Beijing 100088 (China)
2. Key Laboratory on High Power Microwave Technology, Institute of Applied Electronics, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621900 (China)

We present the repetitive operation research results of an L-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator with metal array cathode (MAC-MILO) in this paper. To ensure a more uniform emission of electrons emitted from the cathode, metal plates with different outer radii and thicknesses are periodically arranged in longitudinal direction on the cathode substrate to act as emitters. The higher order mode depressed MILO (HDMILO) structure is applied to ensure stability of the tube. Comparison experiments are carried out between velvet cathode and MAC MILO driven by a 20 GW/40 Ω/40 ns/20 Hz pulse power system. Experimental results reveal that the MAC has much lower outgassing rate, much longer life time, and higher repetitive stability. The MAC-MILO could work stably with a rep-rate up to 20 Hz at a power level of 550 MW when employing a 350 kV/35 kA electric pulse. The TE{sub 11} mode radiation pattern in the farfield region reveals the tube works steadily on the dominant mode. More than 2000 shots have been tested in repetitive mode without any obvious degradation of the detected microwave parameters.

• OSTI ID: 22597137
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 87; ISSN 0034-6748; ISSN RSINAK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
CATHODES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ELECTRONS
EMISSION
METALS
MICROWAVE RADIATION
OSCILLATORS
PERIODICITY
PLATES
PULSES
STABILITY
SUBSTRATES
THICKNESS
TRANSMISSION
TUBES