Generation of closely spaced, doublet, CFA cathode pulses with a line-type modulator

Dual-channel, line-type modulators that have advantages in size, weight, redundancy, duty cycle, and independent pulse energy adjustment are described. The dual-channel, line-type modulators are used to generate doublet cross-field amplifier (CFA) cathode pulses in a 1.25-MW peak RF power output master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) transmitter chain. The amplifier chain consists of a 20-kW peak power traveling-wave tube, a 150-kW peak power intermediate CFA, and a final 1.25-MW CFA stage. The intermediate CFA stage modulator (22 kV and 14 A peak) and the final CFA stage modulator (35 kV and 77 A peak) are described with equipment photographs, test data, and results. The performance requirements for each CFA stage are presented. The advantages of the doublet line-type modulator in comparison to other high-power pulse modulators are presented.<
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