A Quasi-Optical System for Converting TE0n Mode Outputs of a Gyrotron into Gaussian Beams

In this paper we present a novel design of a quasi-optical system for conversion of gyrotron outputs into Gaussian-like beams. It consists of a quasi-optical antenna, two focusing mirrors and a filter which removes the side lobes of the beam. The system is appropriate as a transmission line for frequency tunable gyrotrons operating at TE_0n mode. As an illustration of our approach, we present results which demonstrate the applicability of the developed system for conversion of the radiation generated by the Gyrotron FU IVA. The examples include conversion of three TE_0n modes (TE₀₂, 223 GHz; TE₀₃, 323 GHz; TE₀₄, 423 GHz) into Gaussian- like beams.     

Design of a Quasi-Optical System to Convert TE0n Mode Outputs of a Gyrotron into Gaussian Beams

In this paper we present a novel design of a quasi-optical system for conversion of gyrotron outputs into gaussian beams. It consists of a quasi-optical antenna, four focusing mirrors (parabolic cylinders) and a filter which removes the side lobes of the beam. The system is capable to convert three TE_0n mode outputs into gaussian beams with waist size of 16.7 mm as well as four TE_1n mode outputs into bi-gaussian beams with waist size of 10.9 mm in width and 16.5 mm in length.     

High-power millimetre-wave mode converters in overmoded circular waveguides using periodic wall perturbations

This work reports on measurements and calculations (coupled mode equations) on the conversion of circular electric TE_0n gyrotron mode compositions (TE₀₁ to TE₀₄) at 28 and 70 GHz to the linearly polarized TE₁₁ mode by means of mode converter systems using periodic waveguide wall perturbations. Mode transducers with axisymmetric radius perturbations transform the TE_0n gyrotron mode mixture to the more convenient TE₀₁ mode for long-distance transmission through overmoded waveguides. Proper matching of the phase differences between the TE_0n modes and of lengths and perturbation amplitudes of the several converter sections is required. A mode converter with constant diameter and periodically perturbed curvature transfers the unpolarized TE₀₁ mode into the TE₁₁ mode which produces an almost linearly polarized millimetre-wave beam needed for efficient electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) of plasmas in thermonuclear fusion devices. The experimentally determined TE_0n -to-TE₀₁ conversion efficiency is (98 ± 1)% at 28 and 70 GHz (99% predicted) while the TE₀₁-to-TE,, converter has a (96 ± 2)% conversion efficiency at 28 GHz (95% predicted) and (94 ± 2)% at 70 GHz (93% predicted) with ohmic losses included in each case. This paper also presents theoretical and experimental results on the two-step TE₁₆-to-TE₁₂-to-TE₁₁ mode conversion at 28 GHz by means of two periodically rippled-wall mode converters. The conversion efficiencies achieved are almost 92% and 95%, respectively. Similar converters might be used for transformation of the output modes of future high-frequency TE_1n gyromonotrons or 10 GHz gyro-klystron amplifiers into the TE₁₁ mode, which in turn can then be transformed by circumferentially corrugated or dielectrically coated mode transducers into the perfectly linearly polarized quasi-optical HE₁₁ hybrid mode. The efficiency of periodically modulated wall mode-converters can be considerably improved by proper re-matching of the phase difference between the two converted modes within the converter.     

Investigation of a Broadband Quasi-Optical Mode Converter for a Multi-Frequency 1 MW Gyrotron

A broadband quasi-optical (QO) mode converter for a multi-frequency gyrotron has been designed and tested at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK). The launcher is optimized for the TE_22,8 mode at 140 GHz, but the radiated beams present an almost identically focused pattern for all 9 considered modes between 105 GHz (TE_17,6) and 143 GHz (TE_23,8). Combining with a beam-forming mirror system, which consists of a quasi-elliptical mirror and two phase-correcting mirrors with non-quadratic surface contour, further calculations show that efficiencies of more than 94% have been achieved for converting the rotating high-order cylindrical cavity modes into the usable fundamental Gaussian mode. Low power (cold) measurements show a good agreement with theoretical predictions. This QO mode converter can be used for the broadband operation of a multi-frequency 1 MW gyrotron.     

Design of a Quasi-Optical Mode Converter for a Frequency Step-Tunable Gyrotron

The quasi-optical mode converter for a frequency step-tunable gyrotron which consists of a dimpled-wall antenna (Denisov-type launcher) and a beam-forming mirror system has been optimized for 9 modes from TE_17,6 at 105 GHz to TE_23,8 at 143 GHz. The first mirror is a large quasi-elliptical focusing one; the second and third are phase-correcting mirrors with a non-quadratic shape of the surface. The results of calculations show that for these modes the Denisov-type launcher has a well-focused beam with low diffraction losses, and the radiation pattern presents an almost identical field shape for all modes considered. A multi-mode optimization of the phase-correcting mirrors with two different methods has been tested. The simulations show that the phase-correcting mirrors can be used for broadband operation in the frequency range from 105 GHz up to 143 GHz in the various design modes. This quasi-optical mode converter can achieve efficiencies of 94%-98% for converting the rotating high-order cylindrical cavity modes into the usable fundamental Gaussian mode.     

High power mode conversion for linearly polarized HE11 hybrid mode output

Efficient plasma heating by ECR-wave irradiation requires axisymmetric, narrow, pencil-like millimetre wave beams with well-defined polarization. The linearly polarized gaussian-like HE₁₁, mode satisfies these conditions best. This quasi-optical hybrid mode can be generated from TE_0n gyrotron mode compositions by the two multi-step mode conversion processes: (1) ΣTE_0n to TE₀₁ to TE₁₁ to HE₁₁ or (2) ΣTE_0n to TE₀₁ to TM₁₁ to HE₁₁. The first scheme has the advantage that the converters can all be made without bends, allowing an arbitrary choice and fast change of the polarization plane. The second scheme does not exhibit this advantage, but it is more suitable at very high frequencies (e.g. 140GHz) because efficient TE₀₁-to-TM₁₁ transducers can be made considerably shorter than serpentine TE₀₁-to-TE₁₁ mode converters. This paper presents computations on mode converter systems of the first type at 70GHz and of both types at 140GHz (ID = 27 · 8 mm for 200kW transmission lines). The structure of wall perturbations (phase-matched superposition of 2 or 3 different geometrical periods) in the rippled wall mode converters and the curvature distribution in the bent, smooth-walled TE₀₁-to-TM₁₁ mode transducer were optimized by numerically solving the corresponding coupled-mode differential equations. Computer-aided optimization of circumferentially corrugated mode converters has been achieved with a scattering matrix code employing the modal field expansion technique (modular analysis concept (MAC)). In all cases the predicted overall efficiency of the complete mode converter system from ΣTE_0n (predominantly TE₀₂ at 70GHz or TE₀₃ at 140GHz) to HE₁₁ in the desired polarization is approximately 95% at 70GHz and 92% at 140GHz (ohmic attenuation is included). Low-power measurements on the conversion efficiency of the various mode transducers are in excellent agreement with the predicted values. High-power operation has been successfully demonstrated using a pulsed 70GHz gyrotron (200kW, 100ms).     

MAGICTRAC,a novel method for conversion of whispering-gallery modes into a free-space Gaussian-like beam

A novel device, MAGICTRAC, is described for efficient conversion at millimeter wavelengths of the TE _m,n whispering-gallery mode into a linearly polarized, free-space Gaussian-like beam. MAGICTRAC uses a mode-converting waveguide taper and three mirror optics, one of which incorporates a twist reflector to linearly polarize the output beam. An example design is presented for the TE_15,2 mode at 140 GHz with a calculated efficiency of 96%. Related possible applications include (1) installation of the MAGICTRAC within the vacuum envelope of a gyrotron to separarate the spent e-beam from the generated rf, (2) generation of a whispering-gallery mode by injection of a Gaussian-like beam into the output end, and (3) conversion of TE _m,n modes into TE_0n modes for low-loss transmission in smooth-wall waveguide.     

Quansi-optical mode converter for Ka-band application on a gyrotron

A series of electron cyclotron masers (ECMs) has been designed and successfully operated in the frequency range of 6 to 200 GHz over the past 10 years at Strathclyde University. The current Mk. VI ECM operated between 35–200 GHz, the TE _{0 1} ⁰ mode (35.2 GHz) being the lowest order cavity mode excited. Investigation of this ECM and quasi-optical converter combination was made to establish to what extent a Gaussian beam could be produced from the TE _{0 1} ⁰ gyrotron cavity mode. An antenna of the Vlasov (step-cut radiator) configuration was chosen and successfully developed in a series of low-power experiments up to the W-band frequency regime. The low-power experiments demonstrated that such an antenna system could be constructed and operated in the K_a-band frequency region without resorting to high precision quasi-optical components. The final version of the quasi-optical antenna was externally coupled to the output window of the maser and a plane polarized pencil beam was successfully obtained from the combined maser/Vlasov antenna mode converter. A theoretical model involving a single TE _0n ⁰ input mode was chosen to analyse the output beam characteristics from the Vlasov antenna system. Comparison was made between the single mode theoretical model and the experimental results obtained from the maser.     

Design of a quasi-optical mode conversion system with variable output beam size

The quasi-optical system consisting of a quasi-optical antenna and two parabolic mirrors can convert the TE₀₃ mode output (f = 301 GHz) of the Gyrotron FU IV into a well collimated, linearly polarized beam. This system offers the possibility of tuning the size of the beam produced from 5 mm up to 24 mm by rotating and moving the two parabolic mirrors.     

Quasi-optical waveguide-mode converters using a pair of phase correction mirrors

This paper describes a quasi-optical method for the conversion of modes transmitted through highly oversized circular waveguides. A waveguide-mode is radiated once from a waveguide cut in the form of a radiation beam, which is then properly shaped by two curved mirrors and directed back into the waveguide. The curved mirror shapes are iteratively and automatically determined for given propagation distances using the design technique for phase correction mirrors. The proposed method gives favorable results in designing a waveguide expander/reducer, a TE₀₁-TE₀₂ mode converter, and a TE₀₁-HE₁₁ mode converter.     

An improved design for quasi-optical mode conversion of whispering gallery mode gyrotron radiation

Results are reported of a theoretical and experimental investigation of a quasi-optical mode converter for the transformation of whispering gallery mode gyrotron output into a linearly polarized Gaussian like beam. The mode converter consists of a helically cut waveguide launcher, similar to that originally proposed by Vlasovet al, followed by a focusing mirror. Theoretical results using aperture field methods indicate that the length of the waveguide launcher is of critical importance in providing a confined radiation pattern. Experimental results on the radiation pattern were obtained for several launcher lengths using a 0.6 MW, 149 GHz pulsed gyrotron operating in the TE_16,2 mode. Radiation pattern results for the optimum launcher length agree well with theoretical calculations using the Stratton-Chu aperture radiation theory for unperturbed waveguide modes. A mirror focusing in the azimuthal direction was designed by a geometrical optics approach to focus the radiation coming from the launcher. Good focusing with 91.4% efficiency (power in the focused beam divided by gyrotron power) was found experimentally using the combined launcher and mirror with the pulsed gyrotron. These results indicate that quasi-optical antennas are useful for transforming high order, high frequency gyrotron modes into directed beams in free space.     

Design of quasi-optical systems converting a gyrotron output into a Gaussian-like beam

The quasi-optical systems designed by Gaussian optics can convert the TE₀₆ mode output (f = 388 GHz) of a submillimetre wave gyrotron into a Gaussian-like beam. The linearly polarized main beam, with an elliptical cross-section produced by a quasi-optical antenna, is converted into a well-collimated beam with a circular cross-section by a system consisting of two parabolic cylinder mirrors or of a parabolic cylinder mirror and a special mirror with focal lengths different in two dimensions.     

Experimental study of a high efficiency quasi-optical mode converter for whispering gallery mode gyrotrons

A mode converter for whispering gallery mode gyrotrons has been designed and experimentally demonstrated. Experiments were performed on a megawatt power level, 3μs pulsed gyrotron operating in the TE_16,2,1 whispering gallery mode at 146 GHz. The gyrotron cavity employs a non-linear uptaper to minimize radial mode conversion. About 99% of the output power is in the TE_16,2 mode. The quasi-optical converter consists of a helically cut Vlasov-type waveguide launcher and a reflector. The doubly curved reflector, designed using geometric optics and vector diffraction theory, was built to focus the full radiation pattern to a small, gaussian-like focal spot. Of the power incident in the TE_16,2 mode, 96% is directed by the launcher and reflector to a gaussian-like focal spot in the far field. Small fractions of other modes were found to form distinct focal spots in the far field. Analysis of the power in the other focal spots allows for a good quantitative measurement of gyrotron output mode content, potentially on a single shot basis.     

太赫兹宽带Denisov型准光模式变换器的设计分析

研究并设计了一种具有宽频带工作能力的太赫兹准光模式变换器。该准光模式变换器采用具有高效率特性的Denisov 辐射器,工作在TE_6,2模式,用于实现回旋管内的模式变换。由于Denisov 辐射器的参数是影响准光模式变换器宽带性能的主要因素,因此通过对辐射器参数的优化设计,达到增大模式变换器带宽的效果。使用自主开发的准光学模拟程序进行仿真,模式变换器中心频率为94 GHz,带宽达2 GHz。     

用于毫米波辐射非致命生物效应的94 GHz回旋管设计与实验

设计和测试了内嵌准光系统的94 GH z回旋管,该系统主要用于研究毫米波辐射的非致命生物效应。为了减少大功率高频下的回旋管壁面加热问题,选择TE+6,2模式作为工作模式。对于高阶模式,存在更多相邻模式,因此模式竞争会影响实验的稳定性和有效的可操作性。渐变腔已被设计为抑制单个腔中的模式竞争。另外,具有低衍射准光模式变换器的功率转换效率为98.54%。实验结果表明,回旋管输出功率为50.9 kW,效率为34.3%。对于非致死的生物效应研究,整体设计方案达到了预期的效果。     

High efficiency operation of a 140 GHz pulsed gyrotron

The operating characteristics of a 140 GHz pulsed gyrotron are reported. Total efficiencies of 36% and output powers of 175 kW have been obtained in single-mode operation. Measurements of power and efficiency have been made for a variety of modes between 120 and 160 GHz, and these results are in good agreement with predictions based on non-linear theory. The best results have been obtained with isolated asymmetric modes, such as the TE_{4, 2, 1} (127·3 GHz), TE_{2, 3, 1},(136·7 GHz) and TE_{3, 3, 1}(155·6 GHz). Although mode competition was found to prevent the TE_{0, 3, 1}, mode (139·5 GHz) from reaching the optimum operating conditions, an output power of 138 kW and total efficiency of 29% were achieved with this mode. A variety of new and highly accurate diagnostic techniques that have been developed to measure the power, frequency and mode content of the output radiation are reviewed. In addition, the operating characteristics of both laminar and non-laminar magnetron injection guns are compared. The high powers and efficiencies obtained in this experiment are promising for the extension of gyrotron output powers to the megawatt range.     

Tunable 35–200GHz,high power,gyrotron

The extended frequency tuning range of the Strathclyde University gyrotron is demonstrated. The gyrotron consisted of a field-immersed, field emission cold cathode and a shaped anode cavity. The cavity was oversized with an ill-defined boundary at one end. This system could therefore support the oscillation of a very large number of TE_pqs modes. The maser was thus highly tunable via differential mode excitation. A heterodyne technique was used to demonstrate the maser oscillation in the Ka-band (26.5–40GHz), with the maser oscillating at 35GHz in the TE₀₁ mode. Previous to this a quasi-optical diffraction grating spectrometer was used to show the maser was oscillating under different conditions respectively, single and multi-mode in the W-band (75–110GHz) and multi-mode in the G-band (140–220GHz). To control the output beam a quasi-optical mode converter has been successfully developed. This converts various TE_pq modes into a Gaussian beam. Studying the output of the maser, the mm-wave pulse has been shown to consist of a ～100ns envelope containing ～2ns pulses spaced ～5ns apart. Although this behaviour may have several explanations, some of the most recent code simulations predict this behaviour as a result of mode beating in the complex transient start-up of the maser oscillation. Since this gyrotron not only supports many transverse modes, but also several longitudinal modes, such beating is a likely consequence.     

Design of a Quasi-Optical System Converting the TE06 Output Mode of a Gyrotron into a Gaussian-Like Beam

Gaussian optics can be used to design a quasi-optical system converting the TE₀₆ mode output (f=388 GHz) of a submillimeter wave gyrotron into a well-collimated, linearly-polarized free-space beam with a circular cross-section. A quasi-optical antenna produces a main beam with an elliptical cross-section, which is then converted by two mirrors into a well-collimated beam with a circular cross-section.     

Gyrotron based on a superconducting magnet

The replacement of conventional pulsed magnetic field coils previously used to generate the intra-cavity B-field with an 11T superconducting magnet is reported. The resulting more stable mm-wave output pulse is shown and the refurbishment requirements of both the field emission, field-immersed, cold cathode and Marx bank spark gaps demonstrated. This system proved to be tunable, oscillating from 20GHz up to 110GHz, with peak power levels of 450kW and 300kW respectively. Other operating parameters were also examined including mm-wave pulse length as a function of anode-cathode position. The pulse length increased from 87±6ns to 310±10ns with a 2.5 cm horizontal transit of the cathode away from the anode. A similar effect was witnessed with the increase of the intra-cavity B-field from 1.00T to 5.00T resulting in the mm-wave pulse duration increasing from 250±40ns. Second harmonic operation of the cavity resulted in ～0.5kW of radiation observed at 96GHz. The pulse-to-pulse mm-wave stability coupled with the mode selectivity of the ohmic-Q-dominated cavity resulted in the identification of several oscillating modes including the TE₁₂, cut-off frequency 21.1 GHz, the TE₀₂, cut-off frequency 29.1 GHz, the TE₃₅ at ～74 GHz and the TE_14,2, at ～88GHz.     

A long-pulse,CARM oscillator experiment

Results of a long-pulse, cyclotron autoresonance maser (CARM) oscillator experiment are reported. A Stanford accelerator (SLAC 5045) klystron gun produced a 1 pis electron beam at 250-300 kV and 10-25 A at a repetition rate of up to 4 Hz. A beam α≡β⊥/β₁, variable from 0 to 1, was produced on this electron beam with a wiggler magnetic field near guide field resonance. The experiments were carried out with two different Bragg reflection resonators designed for the TE₁₁ mode. Using the first resonator, many harmonic gyrotron modes were observed in the 28-40GHz frequency range in the TE₂₁ and TE₀₁ modes and, for the first time, a second harmonic upshifted (CARM) TE₁₁ mode at 74-5 GHz. Using the second resonator, fundamental CARM operation was observed for many parameter settings, and for frequencies ranging from 29 to 32 GHz. Output powers ranged from ～01 kW to l00kW, resulting in efficiencies of 01% to 2%. Identification of CARM and gyrotron modes is made by comparison of measured frequencies with dispersion theory and measurement of the farfield radiation pattern. Comparison with theory indicates that the device efficiency is reduced by finite spread in the axial electron beam momentum.