1558151 first gain demonstration in an X-band antenna-amplifier

It is reported about the initial results of the experiments on gain demonstration in the antenna-amplifier, the hybrid device combining a relativistic Cherenkov amplifier and a surface wave antenna. In this device, an annular electron beam amplifies the fundamental, nonaxisymmetric HE
₁₁
mode of the dielectric rod antenna. The beam is generated by a compact linear induction accelerator (LIA) module with a hollow knife-edge cathode, and the hollow cathode holder plays also the role of antenna feed waveguide since, due to the principles of LIA operation, it has a ground potential at the external side.