Accelerators used for nuclear-physics research require megawatts of radio-frequency energy. These accelerators currently employ vacuum-tube power amplifiers or conventional solid-state amplifiers that are inefficient and therefore consume a great deal of prime power. This project will review available transistors, analyze high-efficiency power-amplifier techniques, and experimentally evaluate candidate amplifiers that can operate at 704 MHz. Then an approach will be synthesized for a high-power high-efficiency amplifier system that can meet the needs of DOE laboratories. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee In addition to the application to DOE accelerators, the new amplifiers could be adapted for use in military communication and jamming, high-field magnetic-resonance imaging, digital-television transmitters, and new applications in the bands vacated by analog television.
