Multi-helix structure (MHS) for traveling wave tube power enhancement

A new multi-helix structure (MHS) for operating in multi-beam traveling wave tubes (TWTs) is introduced in this paper. Cold and hot test simulation results for a double-helix structure (DHS) show that the normalized phase velocity of the structure is higher than that of a conventional helix with the same pitch and radius. Consequently, saturated power can be increased more than twice from two aspects; first, double-beam operation and second, phase velocity enhancement. Maximum simulated saturated power of 1.12 KW can be achieved for the DHS while this is 541.85 W for a corresponding conventional helix.