Investigation to reduce ion noise and body current behavior in continuous wave traveling wave tubes

Abstract

Ion noise and body current impact the production and operating performance behavior of continuous wave (CW) traveling wave tubes (TWTs). A program was initiated to study these effects and propose methods to reduce them. This study included experimental characterization, theoretical work, and computational modeling. This paper discusses implementation of a proposed ion noise and body current reduction technique construction of a modified-design CW TWT sample. The modified design was developed utilizing computational gun modeling tools with goals of lower potential barriers to ion flow and lower beam scalloping.