Active and Passive RF Components for High-Power Systems

Abstract

In recent years, R&D for pulse compression and power distribution systems for the Next Linear Collider has led to the invention of many novel rf components, some of which must handle up to 600 MW of pulsed power at X‐band. These include passive waveguide components, active switch designs, and non‐reciprocal devices. Among the former is a class of multi‐moded, highly efficient rf components based on planar geometries with overmoded rectangular ports. Multi‐moding allows us, by means of input phasing, to direct power to different locations through the same waveguide. Planar symmetry allows the height to be increased to improve power handling capacity. Features that invite breakdown, such as coupling slots, irises and H‐plane septa, are avoided. This class includes hybrids, directional couplers, an eight‐port superhybrid/dual‐mode launcher, a mode‐selective extractor, mode‐preserving bends, a rectangular mode converter, and mode‐mixers. We are able to utilize such rectangular waveguide components in systems incorporating low‐loss, circular waveguide delay lines by means of specially designed tapers that efficiently transform multiple rectangular waveguide modes into their corresponding circular waveguide modes, specifically TE10 and TE20 into circular TE11 and TE01. These extremely compact tapers can replace well‐known mode converters such as the Marié type. Another component, a reflective TE01‐TE02 mode converter in circular waveguide, allows us to double the delay in reflective or resonant delay lines. Ideas for multi‐megawatt active components, such as switches, have also been pursued. Power‐handling capacity for these is increased by making them also highly overmoded. We present a design methodology for active rf magnetic components which are suitable for pulse compression systems of future X‐band linear colliders. We also present an active switch based on a PIN diode array. This component comprises an array of active elements arranged so that the electric fields are reduced and the power handling capability is increased. Novel designs allow these components to operate in the low‐loss circular waveguide TE01 mode. We describe the switching elements and circuits.