Study of an overmoded structure for megawatt Ka-band extended interaction klystron

Abstract

For most applications in the millimeter wave band, corresponding to Ka and higher-frequency bands, relatively high atmospheric absorption necessitates the use of high-power sources. Here, a new approach for projecting an oversized beam tunnel in an overmoded structure by concentrating the axial field is demonstrated to meet the high-frequency and high-power demands of compact devices. Due to the enhanced intense beam loading capability of the interaction circuit, a six-cavity Ka-band extended interaction klystron with a four-coupling-hole disk-loaded structure is designed that can stably obtain high output power. An analysis of optimization tradeoffs from introducing high order modes for allowing the application of more powerful beams to improving high order mode field distribution for enhancing the electron-wave coupling and suppressing mode competition is reported. 3D particle-in-cell simulations show attainable output powers of 1.11 MW at 32.94 GHz with a saturated gain of 57 dB by injecting a 3.3 mm diameter electron beam with a current of 24 A.