Design considerations in achieving 1 MW CW operation with a whispering-gallery-mode gyrotron

High-power, CW (continuous-wave) gyrotrons at frequencies in the range 100 GHz to 150 GHz are being developed for use in electron cyclotron heating applications. Early test vehicles have utilized a TE/sub 15,2,1/ interaction cavity and have achieved short-pulse power levels of 820 kW and average power levels of 80 kW at 140 GHz. Present tests are aimed at reaching 400 kW under CW operating conditions and up to 1 MW for short pulse durations. Work is also underway on modifications to the present design that will enable power levels of up to 1 MW CW to be achieved. >