Harmonic Generation by Means of Traveling-Wave Tubes

This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation conducted to determine the effectiveness of a traveling-wave tube used as a harmonic generator. It is shown that harmonics of a low frequency applied to one of the gun electrodes will be amplified by the helix and will appear at the output of the traveling-wave tube as a ``picket fence'' of RF signals. The paper describes the experimental techniques used and discusses the test results obtained, Among the parameters considered are carrier-to-noise ratio, uniformity of power output, and stability of the harmonics produced. Possible applications of a traveling-wave-tube harmonic generator are also discussed.