Book excerpt: Microwave tubes are vacuum electron devices used for the generation and amplification of radio frequencies in the microwave range. An established technology area, the use of tubes remains essential in the field today for high-power applications. The culmination of the authorOCOs 50 years of industry experience, this authoritative resource offers you a thorough understanding of the operations and major classes of microwave tubes.Minimizing the use of advanced mathematics, the book places emphasis on clear qualitative explanations of phenomena. This practical reference serves as an excellent introduction for newcomers to the field and offers established tube engineers a comprehensive refresher. Professionals find coverage of all major tube classifications, including klystrons, traveling wave tubes (TWTs), magnetrons, cross field amplifiers, and gyrotrons."