Operation of a large-orbit high-harmonic multicavity gyroklystron amplifier

An experimental four-cavity, fifth-harmonic gyroklystron is described that separates at 11.3 GHz in a 1.2-KG magnetic field. This device used longer drift regions than previous configurations. Principal results reported include 45 dB of small-signal gain and 0.6 kW of output power. Other results include the measurement of phase noise characteristics and the identification of spurious output signals. An improved beam diagnostic which determines the pitch of the electron orbits was used together with a fluorescent uranium-glass witness plate and beam-current diagnostics to characterize the electron beam. This information was used to perform analytic modelling and computer simulation of the amplifier. The experimental results are compared with the predictions of the analytic theory and simulation, and substantial agreement is demonstrated