Tuning gain and bandwidth of traveling wave tubes using metamaterial beam-wave interaction structures

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of metamaterial structures composed of metal rings to precisely tune the gain and bandwidth of short traveling wave tubes by adjusting their geometric parameters.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of controlling gain and bandwidth in traveling wave tubes through metamaterial beam-wave interaction structures with adjustable ring geometries.

Findings

Metamaterial structures enable precise tuning of gain and bandwidth.

Adjusting ring aspect ratio controls gain and bandwidth.

Filling fraction influences the operational frequency.

Abstract

We employ metamaterial beam-wave interaction structures for tuning the gain and bandwidth of short traveling wave tubes. The interaction structures are made from metal rings of uniform cross section, which are periodically deployed along the length of the traveling wave tube. The aspect ratio of the ring cross sections are adjusted to control both gain and bandwidth. The frequency of operation is controlled by the filling fraction of the ring cross section with respect to the period.