Multiple-Tunnel Meander-Line Slow-Wave Structure for a High-Power Millimeter-Band Traveling-Wave Tube

In this paper, we present the results of design and development of the multiple-tunnel meander-line slow-wave structure (SWS) for a high-power traveling-wave tube (TWT) with multiple sheet electron beam operating at millimeter band. Electromagnetic parameters of the SWS with different number of beam tunnels are simulated. The results of 3-D PIC modeling of small-signal and large-signal hot-test operation are presented. Technologies for fabrication of the multiple-tunnel SWS are discussed.