Theory and measurement of the single and hybrid-mode excitation and evolution in a lossy-dielectric-loaded waveguide

This paper investigates the mode excited, evolved, and propagating properties of the lossy dielectric-loaded waveguide (DLW) used in a Ku-band TE11-mode gyrotron traveling wave tube (gyro-TWT). Theoretical calculation and numerical simulation show that different DLW eigenmodes can be excited by the hollow circular waveguide as a single or hybrid-mode. This study clearly reveals the transformation conditions of the single and hybrid-mode, and the mechanism of the resulting specific dispersion, loss, and electromagnetic field distribution. According to the mode excitation principle and its evolution laws, the propagating properties can be accurately controlled by adjusting the dielectric thickness, which can effectively suppress the potential oscillations and improve the electron bunching phase in the gyro-TWT. As a result, the dielectric loading scheme can be optimized by properly arranging the DLWs, thus enhancing the stability and gain of the gyro-TWT. The theory and simulation are verified by the vector network analyzer measurement at Ku-band, and the results show a good agreement.