Results on the Design and Testing of a Coaxial Multipactor Test Cell

Multipactor is a discharge phenomenon that causes multiplication of electrons inside microwave vacuum electronics. RF electric fields accelerate electrons into surfaces, releasing secondary electrons. This process is repeated with these secondary particles, which will generate an exponentially large electron population [1]. This charge buildup can lead to transmission-line loading, surface heating, or even catastrophic damage to the device [1], [2]. Multipactor is of particular concern in space-borne applications because of the extreme cost associated with repairing and replacing damaged satellite transmitters. Thus, it is necessary to develop methods for preventing multipactor discharges and for predicting when they will occur.