Experiments on the Pulse Repetition Frequency Optimization of 1.3-GHz, 100-kW Microwave Pulse Compressor

A microwave pulse compressor (MPC) system formed by an inductive iris, a straight rectangular waveguide, and an H-plane T-junction is experimentally studied. The MPC design, which is based on an equivalent circuit simulation model, ensures the optimum cavity-storage gain at 1.3 GHz. A low-pressure gas discharge tube (GDT) that is placed at the side arm of the T-junction implements the switching trigger for the cavity energy extraction. The experimental results show that high pulse repetition frequency (PRF) operation together with optimal cavity-extraction gain is feasible by carefully selecting the GDT gas type, pressure level, and flow rate. Under optimal conditions, the MPC system approaches the theoretically predicted cavity-extraction gain of 19 dB and a PRF up to 300 Hz.