Traveling-Wave Tube Amplifier Characteristics Study for Stochastic Beam Cooling Experiments

The characteristics of continuous-wave wideband traveling-wave tube amplifiers have been experimentally investigated over a frequency range of 1.5 to 4.5 GHz. We present measurements of characteristics important for stochastic beam cooling systems that are generally not available from manufacturers' data sheets. The amplifiers measured include models 1177 H01 and 1277 H01 having output power capabilities of 10 to 20 W, respectively, at frequencies of 2 to 4 GHz. The power transfer characteristics, the phase-shift characteristics as functions of frequency and the input power level, the voltage standing-wave ratio, harmonics and intermodulation products content were accurately measured and are discussed. Also several approaches are discussed for the reduction of harmonics and intermodulation products.