Experimental results from a tandem BWO-TWT system used to generate high-power microwaves

A relativistic backward wave oscillator (BWO) in tandem with a traveling wave tube (TWT) amplifier has been used to generate relatively long pulses of high-power X-band microwaves. In these experiments, a BWO is used to modulate the annular relativistic electron beam, which subsequently drives a TWT producing high-power microwave radiation. A special RF sever located between the two structures cuts off microwaves generated in the BWO from the TWT. Peak powers in excess of 100 MW are observed with overall beam-to-microwave efficiencies as high as 35%. By operating the BWO below saturation levels, pulse-shortening effects are minimized so that microwave pulses of duration comparable to that of the beam (100 ns) are possible. The operating frequency of the tandem system is tuned from 11 to 12 GHz by varying the effective energy of the beam