Robust Optimization of High-Frequency Traveling-Wave Tube Slow-Wave Circuits

An optimization algorithm has been developed to provide robust designs for slow-wave circuits of high-frequency traveling-wave tubes (TWTs). The algorithm utilizes the optimization method of simulated annealing in a TWT simulation code. By considering the effects of dimensional variations during the optimization, a phase-velocity profile of a slow-wave circuit is generated. A simulated statistical performance test of a robust design for a 94-GHz folded-waveguide circuit shows significantly less sensitivity to dimensional tolerance variations