Stripline applications to traveling-wave tubes

Many applications of traveling-wave tubes make use of their inherent broadband properties and at the same time require a compact and light structure that will operate at high altitudes at a relatively high power level without arcing. A major problem in the design and construction of such a package is that of a broadband transition into and out of the slow wave structure. This paper describes some coaxial line to helix transitions employing stripline construction. These devices are fabricated from copper clad laminate using a photoetching process. The mashing elements are lighter than their coaxial equivalents. In general, a more complicated device can be fabricated utilizing stripline than is feasible to machine in coaxial form, thereby enabling the theoretical optimum to be more nearly approximated.