Analysis of the methods to increase the output power and frequency of the broadband TWTs

The limitations on the output power and operating frequency of the broadband TWTs resulting from a relatively low thermal stability of helix and the self-excitation at the backward wave at a operating voltage of greater than 10 kV are considered. The analysis yields the methods to overcome limitations: the application of a bifilar helix with the azimuthally conducting rings and the application of combined metal-dielectric supports that allow a simultaneous improvement of the heat removal from the helix and an increase in the TWT band. It is demonstrated that a decrease in the slowing caused by the rings and a smaller period of the bifilar helix make it possible to shift the threshold of the self-excitation at the backward wave to 30–40 kV.