High power sources and innovations for high frequency electronics

This study would propose the development of innovative devices, in vacuum electronics field for high energy and high frequency applications. Design strategies for the improvement of electron devices are proposed in order to reduce size and increase efficiency of these devices, in particular referring to high power sources. As for high power sources, vacuum tube oscillators capable to generate simple sinusoidal signals or more complex signals are intended. In order to increase efficiency and frequency range of vacuum tubes, a new design approach for the development electron sources is proposed. New strategies for designing vacuum tube connection interfaces, such as dielectric windows and power couplers, are shown. Numerical complex design techniques, involving multiple physical influencing factors, are described in order to improve the behavior of Magnetron and Klystrons under operative conditions. Finally, a research on high power microwave production, led to the study of virtual cathode oscillation phenomena. A small size power source which would allow solving many problems of space has been individuated by investigating on the phenomena of high power microwave generation. It has been found as a great candidate, since it does not require containment fields. Devices that use this principle are called VIRCATOR. Old technologies have been rediscovered and implemented with the introduction of new analytical formulations and development of numerical models through the most modern devices computational analysis coming to conceive complex virtual prototypes.