A High-Current-Density Electron Beam for Millimeter-Wave Amplifiers

We present experimental characterization of a 20-kV, 130-mA thermionic electron gun, which is a component of a W-band traveling-wave tube (TWT) power amplifier. The electron beam is strongly focused by a 6.6-kG permanent magnet solenoid, producing a peak current density up to 800 A/cm
²
. The cathode temperature, focus electrode voltage, and modulating anode voltage are varied to characterize the emitted cathode current and beam transport through the beam tunnel of the TWT RF circuit. We observe the variation of the cathode current from 107 to 155 mA and peak beam transmission of 95% measured at the collector. Experimental results are compared to 2-D simulations with the electron gun and collector design code MICHELLE.