Powerful Magnetron Design, in particular for high frequencies (sub-THz) and for continuous wave- (cw-) operation

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Klaus Schünemann
• Subject Area: Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• Term: from 2014 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 260476235

This research project deals with the magnetron, an electron beam tube, in which a structured electron beam interacts with an electro-magnetic resonance structure. Thus electric power can be generated at frequencies in the sub-millimeter wave range. This range is of high actual interest, because it offers a number of technical and scientific applications.Our investigations are aiming to develop a completely new physical model of the magnetron with the potential to realize a quantitative design following well-defined criteria. Thus the road for a follow-up project shall be paved leading to a powerful but still handy high frequency generator for the so-called terahertz (THz) frequency range. The new model shall, on one side, be able to establish optimization guidelines for the operational and geometrical parameters and, on the other side, detect new modes of operation. Of prominent importance here is the so-called continuous wave (or cw) operation of the magnetron which could not yet be realized at frequencies beyond the centimeter wave range. However, just cw operation would multiply the potentials of the magnetron for various applications. A characteristic feature of the new class of magnetrons will be an extensive application of a new material, known as meta-material, in realizing its resonance structure. The development of the model, its verification, and the detailed investigation of the operational modes is illustrated by practical experiments with both individual components and several magnetron prototypes. To this end, a close cooperation with a research institute in Kharkiv, Ukraine, of high international reputation has been established, which is leading in the development of magnetrons for the short millimeter wave range. The corresponding measurements are performed at both locations, in Hamburg and in Kharkiv.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants