Characteristics of a high efficiency, high power X band TWT amplifier

Summary form only given. The performance of several X-band traveling-wave tube (TWT) amplifiers was investigated. The amplifiers operate in a TM₀₁ mode in a cylindrically symmetric rippled wall configuration. In some cases the amplifier is severed to ensure that the system does not oscillate due to positive feedback. Peak output powers of several hundred megawatts have been achieved at efficiencies of up to 45 % and energy efficiencies of greater than 35%. The performance of the amplifiers was compared with expectations based on theoretical analysis and simulation results