« Back to Dictionary Index

The beam-coupling coefficient is a term used in electronics and physics, specifically in the context of beam devices such as vacuum tubes or klystrons. It is defined as:

Beam-Coupling Coefficient: The ratio of the alternating current (AC) signal current produced to the direct current (DC) beam current in beam coupling.

Key Points:

  1. AC Signal Current: This is the variable component of the current that represents the useful signal in an electronic circuit or device.
  2. DC Beam Current: This is the constant, unvarying component of the current that flows through the device. In the context of beam devices, it is the steady flow of electrons or other charged particles.
  3. Ratio Significance: The beam-coupling coefficient indicates the efficiency with which the DC beam current is converted into an AC signal current. A higher coefficient means a more efficient conversion process.

Applications:

  • Vacuum Tubes: In devices like klystrons and traveling wave tubes, the beam-coupling coefficient is an important parameter for determining the efficiency of signal amplification.
  • Particle Accelerators: Understanding beam dynamics and coupling efficiencies can be crucial in designing and operating these devices.

Overall, the beam-coupling coefficient is an important parameter in the design and analysis of devices that rely on the interaction between an electron beam and an electromagnetic field to produce or amplify signals.

« Back to Dictionary Index