摘要 |
Helical slow-wave structure assemblies including a helical dielectric supporting member are disclosed along with methods for fabricating such assemblies. After the slow-wave structure helix is wound on a mandrel, a masking helix is coaxially wound about the slow-wave structure helix in the same sense as the slow-wave structure helix over the helical space between turns of the slow-wave structure helix and in overlapping relationship with portions of adjacent turns of the slow-wave structure helix. The supporting helix is formed by plasma spraying dielectric material into the helical space between turns of the masking helix. The dielectric material is ground to a predetermined radial dimension, and the mandrel and the masking helix are removed. By utilizing a masking helix of tapered width, a dielectric supporting helix of tapered width may be fabricated to provide a slow-wave structure assembly with a tapered phase velocity. A slow-wave structure helix having a radially outwardly extending longitudinal ridge may be utilized to provide a structure of wide bandwidth.
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