Research Progress on X-Band Multibeam Klystron

The Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, started developing X-band multibeam klystrons (MBKs) in 2000. Three types of X-band MBKs are currently under research and development; two types operate in the fundamental mode (TM
₀₁₀
), and the other type operates in a high-order mode (coaxial TM
₃₁₀
). These MBKs operate over the frequency range from 8 to 10 GHz and have peak powers of 50-100 kW, average powers of 2.5-5 kW, and bandwidths of 5%. The design considerations and testing results are presented in this paper. The technological problems, including nonhomogeneity of the RF electric field and low beam transmission, are also described. Further research work on the improvement of these MBKs is discussed.