Toward Generation of Megawatt Subnanosecond Microwave Pulses With High Repetition Rate

This article presents a study on the generation of megawatt-level subnanosecond microwave pulses with high repetition rates using frequency-modulated (FM) pulse compression, including the simulation and cold test of the compressor. In the simulation, a 150 kW continuously repeated chirp signal, ranging from 27.5 to 31.5 GHz, is generated by a wideband gyrotron traveling-wave tube (gyro-TWT) and injected into the compressor. The compressed subnanosecond pulse exhibits a peak power of 7.72 MW, a duration of 221 ps, and a repetition rate of up to 40 MHz. The simulation also shows that the designed circular waveguide compressor can handle strong electric fields and high power. The cold test results demonstrate excellent agreement with the simulations, which indicate the capability of this compressor for generating megawatt-level subnanosecond microwave pulses with high repetition rates.