Patent ID: 6356022
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A helical traveling wave tube for amplifying an RF signal, comprising:a cathode, placed at a near end of the tube; an anode near the cathode, and operably connected to induce a beam of electrons to flow between the anode and the cathode; a collector, placed at a far end of the tube, and constructed to receive the flow of electrons; a helical conductor section between the cathode and the collector, said helical conductor section having an RF input, an input section, a middle section, an output section, and an RF output; and at least one magnet surrounding the helical section, operative to focus the beam of electrons, wherein the input section of the helical conductor is tapered, by simultaneously varying a pitch and a radius of the helical conductor, such that the velocity of a fundamental RF signal along the helical conductor remains substantially synchronous with the velocity of the electron beam.