High power sources at millimeter wavelengths

Design considerations for high power millimeter-wave oscillators and amplifiers are discussed. Typical structures, electron gun and beam systems, electrode configurations, and interaction processes are described, particularly with regard to their applications in the millimeter-wave portion of the spectrum. The advantages of the linear beam approach in the design of these sources become evident. Typical operating characteristics for general classes of amplifiers and oscillators are reviewed. A survey is presented of the various individual sources which are commercially available or have reached a practical prototype status.