Circuitless electron beam amplifier (CEBA)

A theoretical analysis is presented for a novel high power microwave/millimeter wave amplifier (herein called CEBA) that requires no radio frequency (RF) circuit structure. The electron beam is treated as an active dielectric serving the dual purpose of slow-wave circuit and amplification source. Amplification is obtained when beam-wave synchronism is met. The attractive features of low voltage, low magnetic field, wide frequency band-width, and low cost make the CEBA attractive for use as a lightweight inexpensive millimeter (mm) wave amplifier for air-borne and tactical applications.