Electrostatic and parametric cyclotron wave amplifiers

Cyclotron wave amplifiers were invented in both the United States and Russia in the late 1950's. While work in the United States was dropped in favor of solid state amplifiers, their development and use continues in Russia. This paper develops the basic theory of these amplifiers for Western scientists and engineers, specifies the performance of several sample commercially produced items, and compares performance of these devices with theory. Applications of devices to real world radar systems and the resulting advantages are briefly discussed.