The vitality of vacuum electronics

Contrary to popular belief, vacuum electronics is alive and well. In fact with expanded activity in Asia and the Pacific Rim the field is more international than ever. Advances in materials, methodology, fabrication and technology are giving birth to a new generation of devices with higher power, higher efficiency and higher frequency[1], while strides in the companion technologies of high voltage power electronics and thermal-mechanical design are doing the same for integrated RF sources and compact amplifiers. Concerns with a diminishing supplier base are being addressed. Acknowledging the new generation of bright and energetic engineers joining our field, provided courtesy of our university partners, the continued vitality of vacuum electronics is not in doubt.