Development of a W-band dielectric traveling-wave tube

Summary form only given. Microwave Technologies, in collaboration with George Mason University, is developing a novel W-band dielectric traveling-wave tube. The DTWT is based on the novel interaction between a small-diameter electron beam and the electromagnetic fields of a traveling wave inside a very compact dielectric waveguide. The dielectric waveguide is used to slow down the wave and replaces the less efficient helix structures used in conventional traveling-wave tubes. A novel approach in this development is the use of micromachining techniques for the fabrication of the various components of this amplifier. We present design considerations for a 94 GHz, 10-watt amplifier. Once fully developed, the DTWT should be capable of replacing conventional traveling-wave tubes in telecommunication systems for future space applications by offering substantial improvements in size, weight, and especially efficiency over its counterparts.