High frequency helical amplifier and oscillator
AssigneeManhattan Technologies Ltd.
InventorsJames A. Dayton, Jr., Carol L. Kory
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a class of mm and sub mm wavelength amplifiers and oscillators operating with miniature helical slow wave circuits manufactured using micro fabrication technology. The helices are supported by diamond dielectric support rods. Diamond is the best possible thermal conductor, and it can be bonded to the helix. The electron beam is transmitted, not through the center of the helix, but around the outside. In some configurations the RF power produced may be radiated directly from the slow wave circuit. The method of fabrication, which is applicable above 60 GHz, is compatible with mass production.
Claims20
A microfabricated helical slow wave circuit for an electron device comprising:
- a vacuum sealed, hollow, electrically conductive barrel;
- a microfabricated electrically conductive helix supported in said conductive barrel;
- and
- means for passing an electron beam sufficiently proximate to said helix to thereby do one of the group consisting of (a) generate electromagnetic wave energy and (b) amplify electromagnetic wave energy, said beam being external of said helix.
A method of generating electromagnetic wave energy comprising the steps of:
- (a) microfabricating an electrically conductive helix;
- (b) isolatingly supporting the helix in a conductive hollow barrel;
- and
- (c) passing an electron beam exteriorly of the helix in sufficient proximity thereto to generate electromagnetic wave energy.
A method of amplifying electromagnetic wave energy comprising the steps of:
- (a) microfabricating an electrically conductive helix.
- (b) isolatingly supporting the helix in a conductive hollow barrel;
- (c) passing electromagnetic wave energy through the barrel, and
- (d) passing an electron beam exteriorly of the helix but in sufficient proximity thereto to amplify the electromagnetic wave energy passing through the barrel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.