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Stanford researchers have developed a vacuum tube technology, where the device size is inherently larger than the operating wavelength.
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Background: Stanford researchers have developed a vacuum tube technology, where the device size is inherently larger than the operating wavelength. It can generate high power mm-wave radiation in a compact manner. This invention is an improvement upon the output circuit of Gyrocons and Trirotrons to make them suitable for high power operation with low beam voltage in the mm–wave and THz part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Compact, high power mm-wave sources will enable several additional applications such as basic research, high-resolution medical imaging, navigation through sandstorms, spectroscopic detection of explosives, low probability of intercept communications, space radars for debris tracking of objects less that 5 cm that present hazards to space assets. Proof-of-principle have been demonstrated with 5th harmonic frequency multiplying vacuum tube at 57.12GHz, based on a circularly deflected electron beam and a spherical shell output interaction circuit. Stage of Research as of August 2016: Proof-of-principle demonstrated- 5th harmonic frequency multiplier with an output frequency of 57.12 GHz Designed, built and hot–tested a low–voltage mm– wave source, with an output interaction circuit based on a spherical sector cavity Applications Spectroscopy Basic research High-resolution Medical Imaging Navigation through sandstorms Spectroscopic detection of explosives Communications Space Radar for debris tracking Advantages Compact High power No magnetic guidance Minimal space charge effect Efficient generation of high power microwaves