One-channel ka-band pulse compressor

A compact rf pulse compressor, fed by a phase-modulated pulse, is described for producing high-power flattop pulses at Ka-band. The compressor consists of a single axisymmetrical cavity operating in a combination of TE0n modes ( n = 1, 2, 3), that have zero electric fields at the walls. This feature enhances the breakdown strength of the system and makes it possible to increase the output power, as compared with a traditional SLED-II pulse compressor. Advantages include use of one channel instead of two, and no requirement for a 3-dB hybrid coupler. This 34 GHz one-channel pulse compressor (OC SLED-II) is designed to multiply peak power produced by the Yale/Omega-P Ka-band magnicon amplifier ( 30-40 MW, 0.5-1 mu s) by (3-4):1 and to compress in time by (5-6):1. The efficiency of the proposed compressor is similar to that of SLED-II. Results of low- power tests carried out on a 30 GHz prototype of the compressor are discussed.