Electroplated helical slow-wave structures for high-frequency signals
AssigneeWisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
InventorsMax G. Lagally, Matthew McLean Dwyer, Daniel Warren van der Weide, Abhishek Bhat, Francesca Cavallo, Divya Jyoti Prakash
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Abstract
Traveling-wave tube amplifiers and methods for making slow-wave structures for the amplifiers are provided. The SWSs include helical conductors that are self-assembled via the release of stressed electrically conductive strips from a sacrificial material. The helical conductors can be electroplated post-self-assembly to fortify the helix, reduce losses, and tailor the dimensions and operating parameters of the helix.
Claims20
A traveling-wave tube amplifier comprising:
- a dielectric support;
- a slow-wave structure on the dielectric support, the slow-wave structure comprising an electrically conductive helix comprising a continuous helical strip of electrically conductive material and having an inner diameter of no greater than 30 μm;
- an electron gun positioned to direct one or more beams of electrons axially through the electrically conductive helix or around the periphery of the electrically conductive helix;
- and
- an electron collector positioned opposite the electron beam source.
A method of making a slow-wave structure, the method comprising:
- forming a layer of sacrificial material on a portion of a surface of a dielectric support;
- forming a continuous stressed electrically conductive strip on the layer of sacrificial material, the electrically conductive strip having a leading end and a trailing end, wherein the trailing end of the electrically conductive strip is attached to the dielectric support, and further wherein the electrically conductive strip comprises an electrically conductive material in contact with the layer of sacrificial material;
- selectively removing the layer of sacrificial material, wherein the continuous stressed electrically conductive strip relaxes into the form of a helix;
- connecting the leading end of the electrically conductive strip to a first electrical contact;
- connecting the trailing end of the electrically conductive strip to a second electrical contact;
- and
- electroplating the surface of the helix with an electrically conductive material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.