A gyrotron is a large vacuum electronic device (VED) that generates high-power, high-frequency microwaves. Recently, it has attracted attention for its use in fusion power generation, where it is used to heat the plasma in a reactor to promote fusion reactions.
Gyrotrons genetate microwave radiation based on the kinetic energy of electrons oscillating at high speed in a strong magnetic field. The principle of a gyrotron is that a high voltage is first applied to an electron gun to generate an electron beam. This electron beam is injected into the RF oscillator (cavity resonator) in a helical motion along the magnetic field. High-frequency power is generated from the rotation of the electron beam, which is converted to a high-frequency beam by the mode converter and output. The electron beam loses energy and is absorbed by the collector. Output frequencies range from about 20 to 527 GHz, covering wavelengths from microwaves to the edge of the terahertz gap. Typical output power is several hundred kilowatts, equivalent to hundreds microwave ovens. Gyrotrons are used not only for plasma heating in nuclear fusion, but also in other terahertz wave sources and ion engines.
Gyrotrons use a number of special power supplies, including high-voltage power supplies. Matsusada Precision manufactures and sells various power supplies used in gyrotrons, including high-voltage power supplies for electron guns.
- Related words:
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- Nuclear fusion
- Magnetron
- microwave
- plasma
- electron tube
