Design of Doubly Convergent Multiple-Beam Electron Guns

In an effort to achieve higher power RF source performance, designers are utilizing distributed beam devices, such as sheet beams and multiple beams. A limitation is the amount of current that can be emitted by the cathode while still achieving long cathode lifetimes. The desire is to develop distributed beam devices that utilize fundamental mode cavities in the RF circuit. For multiple-beam devices, where the individual beams propagate at the same radius as the cathode, a limitation is reached, where the size of the cathode becomes limited by the space available. A solution is to place the cathodes at a larger radius and compress the beams toward the radius required for fundamental mode cavities. This paper describes the design of a multiple-beam gun where the ensemble of beams is compressed toward the device axis while still achieving parallel propagation through the RF circuit.