Self-biasing collector elements for linear-beam microwave tubes

摘要

A self-biasing element is formed by coupling an electron accumulator to a collector stage of a linear-beam microwave tube with a base which has a selected resistance. The electron accumulator has a secondary emission coefficient less than one and is positioned to intercept a portion of the electrons in the electron beam of the linear-beam microwave tube. The electron accumulator thus acquires a negative voltage whose magnitude is controlled by selecting the base resistance and the radial and axial position of the self-biasing element within the collector. Various arrangements of self-biasing elements and collector stages are disclosed which improve the efficiency and RF performance of the microwave tube.