Helix delay line for traveling wave devices

Claim 2

A traveling wave device comprising: a helical periodic electromagnetic wave energy propagating structure having predetermined electrical characteristics over a predetermined frequency range; means for generating and directing a beam of electrons adjacent to said propagating structure; and a plurality of continuously connected support means disposed coextensive with and contacting said wave propagating structure; said support means defining therebetween a helical parallel plate transmission line having substantially the same electrical characteristics as said wave propagating structure.

Claim 3

A traveling wave device comprising: a plurality of continuously wound circuit elements forming a helical periodic electromagnetic wave energy propagating structure having predetermined pitch and phase velocity characteristics; means for generating and directing a beam of electrons along the longitudinal axis of said wave propagating structure; and a plurality of continuously connected support means disposed coextensive with and contacting each of said circuit elements; said support means defining therebetween a helical parallel plate transmission line having substantially the same pitch and phase velocity characteristics as said wave propagating structure.

Claim 4

A traveling wave device comprising: a plurality of continuously wound circuit elements forming a helical periodic electromagnetic wave energy propagating structure having predetermined pitch and phase velocity characteristics; means for generating and directing a beam of electrons along the longitudinal axis of said wave propagating structure; and a plurality of continuously connected support means disposed coextensive with and contacting each of said circuit elements; said support means defining therebetween a helical parallel plate transmission line having substantially the same pitch and phase velocity characteristics as said wave propagating structure.

Claim 5

A device according to claim 2 wherein said support means define interface means of a dielectric material contacting each circuit element.

Claim 6

A traveling wave device comprising: an envelope; a plurality of continuously wound circuit elements forming helical periodic electromagnetic wave energy propagating structure having predetermined pitch and phase velocity characteristics; means for generating and directing a beam of electrons along the longitudinal axis of said wave propagating structure; and a plurality of continuously connected support means contacting each of said circuit elements and said envelope; said support means defining therebetween a coaXial helical parallel plate transmission line having substantially the same pitch and phase velocity characteristics as said wave propagating structure.

Claim 7

A traveling wave device comprising: an envelope; a plurality of continuously wound circuit elements forming helical periodic electromagnetic wave energy propagating structure having predetermined pitch and phase velocity characteristics; means for generating and directing a beam of electrons along the longitudinal axis of said wave propagating structure; and a plurality of continuously connected support means contacting each of said circuit elements and said envelope; said support means defining therebetween a coaXial helical parallel plate transmission line having substantially the same pitch and phase velocity characteristics as said wave propagating structure.

Claim 8

A device according to claim 4 wherein said envelope comprises an annular chamber and means for circulating a fluid medium within said chamber.

Claim 9

A device according to claim 5 wherein said chamber is substantially filled with a plurality of thermally conductive bodies.

Claim 10

A device according to claim 4 wherein a tubular conduit is disposed between said envelope and support means with said conduit being coupled to means for circulating a fluid medium.

Claim 11

A traveling wave device comprising: an envelope; a plurality of continuously wound circuit elements forming helical electromagnetic wave energy propagating structure having a predetermined periodicity; means for generating and directing a beam of electrons along the longitudinal axis of said wave propagating structure; and a plurality of conductive lamination members having radial land portions angularly displaced in a predetermined manner to define a substantially helical support array with each of said land portions contacting a circuit element; said land portions defining therebetween a coaxial substantially helical parallel plate transmission line having substantially the same periodicity as said wave propagating structure.

Claim 12

A traveling wave device comprising: an envelope; a plurality of continuously wound circuit elements forming helical electromagnetic wave energy propagating structure having a predetermined periodicity; means for generating and directing a beam of electrons along the longitudinal axis of said wave propagating structure; and a plurality of conductive lamination members having radial land portions angularly displaced in a predetermined manner to define a substantially helical support array with each of said land portions contacting a circuit element; said land portions defining therebetween a coaxial substantially helical parallel plate transmission line having substantially the same periodicity as said wave propagating structure.

Claim 13

A device according to claim 8 wherein said lamination members have a circular body portion collectively defining a portion of said envelope when said members are joined together.

Claim 14

A device according to claim 8 wherein each of said radial land portions define an interface of a dielectric material adjacent to the circuit elements.

Claim 15

A device according to claim 8 wherein each of said lamination members comprise a substantially circular body of a conductive material and a radial land portion of a dielectric material.

Claim 16

A device according to claim 8 wherein each of said land portions define a sector having an angular dimension of approximately 30*.

Claim 17

A device according to claim 8 wherein said land portions are disposed substantially mutually perpendicular to each other.