Claims
- 1. In a crossed-field amplifier having an anode and a cathode creating an electric field across a magnetic field in an interaction area, the improvement comprising:
- electric bias circuit means connected to said cathode for generating a potential from said cathode across said interaction area for causing the presence of electrons in said interaction area after said amplifier is turned off to provide for a fast start of said amplifier.
- 2. In a crossed-field amplifier, as claim in claim 1, additionally comprising:
- a power supply for powering said amplifier; and
- said electric bias circuit means connected between said power supply and said cathode.
- 3. In a crossed-field amplifier, as claimed in claim 1, additionally comprising:
- an oxygen source power supply for powering said amplifier;
- said electric bias circuit means mechanically mounted upon said amplifier, electrically connected to said cathode, and powered by said oxygen source power supply.
- 4. In a crossed-field amplifier, as claimed in claim 1, additionally comprising:
- said electric bias circuit means mechanically mounted upon said amplifier; and
- insulated potting material surrounding said electric bias circuit.
- 5. In a crossed-field amplifier having an anode and a cathode creating an electric field across a magnetic field in an interaction area, the improvement comprising:
- electric bias circuit means for holding electrons in said interaction area when said amplifier is turned off;
- a power supply for powering said amplifier;
- said electric bias circuit means connected between said power supply and said cathode;
- said electric bias circuit means further comprising:
- isolating means connected to said cathode for protecting said bias circuit means form the cathode potential;
- filter means connected to said isolating means; and
- voltage converter means connected between said filter means and said power supply to increase the output voltage of said power supply.
- 6. In a crossed-field amplifier, as claimed in claim 5, wherein:
- said voltage converter means include a DC to DC converter having an oscillating circuit, a chopper circuit, a transformer for increasing the voltage of the chopped DC, and a rectifier circuit.
- 7. In a crossed-field amplifier having an anode and a cathode creating an electric field across a magnetic field in an interaction area, the improvement comprising:
- a power supply;
- a bias circuit connected between said power supply and said cathode;
- said bias circuit including:
- isolating diode means connected to said cathode,
- filter means connected to said diode means, and
- DC to DC converter means connected between
- said filter means and said power supply;
- said bias circuit mounted upon said crossed-field amplifier; and
- insulating means surrounding said bias circuit, whereby said bias circuit provides a retrofit for said crossed-field amplifier to improve the starting characteristic thereof by holding electrons in said interaction area when said amplifier is turned off.
- 8. In a crossed-field amplifier, as claimed in claim 7, wherein:
- said DC to DC converter includes an oscillating circuit, a chopper circuit, a transformer circuit, and a rectifier circuit.
- 9. In a crossed-field amplifier, as claimed in claim 7 wherein said bias circuit additionally comprises:
- resistance means connected between said filter means and said isolating diode means; and
- said resistance means being adjustable to optimize the starting characteristics of said amplifier.
- 10. A method for improving the starting characteristics of a crossed-field amplifier having a cathode and anode for creating an electric field across a magnetic field in an interaction area, comprising the steps of:
- generating a voltage from said cathode across said interaction area in the place of said first mentioned electric field after said crossed-field amplifier is turned off; and
- retaining free electrons in said interaction area by said voltage after said crossed-field amplifier is turned off.
Government Interests
This invention has been developed under contract with the United States Government, Department of the Navy, Contract No. FC0103/F04606-84-G-0011 who has a license to practice the invention.
US Referenced Citations (13)