35 GHz four cavity gyroklystron amplifier experiments

At the Naval Research Laboratory, gyroklystron amplifiers are currently of interest for the next generation of millimeter wave radars due to their enhanced capabilities in the atmospheric propagation windows around 35 GHz and 94 GHz. Gyroklystrons offer high peak and average power capability at high frequencies with good electronic efficiencies (20-40%) without the use of depressed collectors. The advantages of operating in the millimeter wave band for radar include the ability to achieve high angular resolution with an antenna of modest dimensions, improved radar scattering from small targets and the potential for higher absolute bandwidth. The experimental results from a four cavity, Ka-band gyroklystron amplifier operating in the TE/sub 001/ cylindrical mode at the fundamental of the cyclotron frequency are presented.