In a multicavity klystron amplifier the signal to be amplified develops an ac voltage of signal frequency across the gap in buncher cavity

These analysis uses cylindrical coordinates.

In circular waveguide TE₁₁ mode has the lowest cut off frequency and is the dominant mode.

If D is diameter of waveguide

?_c = 1.706 D for TE₁₁ mode

?_c = 1.029 D for TE₂₁ mode

?_c = 0.82 D for TE₀₁ mode

?_c = 1.306 D for TM₀₁ mode.

The limitation of solid state devices at high frequencies include those associated with transit time and junction capacitances.

The devices used are : Transferred electron oscillators (Gunn diode), Avalanche diode oscillators (Impatt diode, Trapatt diode, Masters, Lasers, Tunnel diode, Varactor etc).

An electron beam is produced by oxide coated indirectly heated cathode and is focussed and accelerated by focussing electrode.

This beam is transmitted through a glass tube. The input cavity where the beam enters the glass tube is called buncher.

As electrons move ahead they see an accelerating field for half cycle and retarding field for the other half cycle.

Therefore, some electrons are accelerated and some are retarded. This process is called velocity modulation.

The velocity modulation causes bunching of electrons. This bunching effect converts velocity modulation into density modulation of beam.

The input is fed at buncher cavity and output is taken at catcher cavity.

In a two cavity klystron only buncher and catcher cavity are used. In multi cavity klystron one or more intermediate cavities are also used.

The features of a multicavity klystron are :

1. Frequency range - 0.25 GHz to 100 GHz

2. Power output - 10 kW to several hundred kW

3. Power gain - 60 dB (nominal value)

4. Efficiency - about 40%.

A multicavity klystron is used in UHF TV transmitters, Radar transmitter and satellite communication.

These enclosures are called cavity resonators.