A true-time-delay networks design technique

This paper proposes a technique to design wide band switched-line (SL) true-time-delay (TTD) networks, commonly used for phased array antenna (PAA) applications. This study investigates the constant-delay behavior of switched-line phase shifters based on single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches. Circuit sizing starts by considering the effective S-parameters of the switches, to use their non-idealities as an integral part of the phase shift linearly dependent to the frequency and by considering, from the beginning, the possible spatial positioning of elements that allows the circuit feasibility as a design target. The aim of this study is to provide a technique suitable for the design of well-matched TTD networks with a flat delay in wide bandwidth. In this paper, we propose new design formulas for which we show a single-frequency implementation. A computational strategy is used to obtain numerical solutions of the derived equations with this study. Finally, a monolithic X-band TTD circuit example is shown

Misure elettromagnetiche a basso numero di induzione e radar, da natante, per lo studio dei fondi fluviali

Sono presentati i risultati di una campagna di misure elettromagnetiche a basso numero di induzione condotte da natante su un tratto del fiume Po a Torino. I risultati, verificati con una campionamento diretto, hanno permesso di stimare la natura dei sedimenti di fondo del fium

The Ka-band high power klystron amplifier design program of INFN

In the framework of the Compact Light XLS project, a short ultra-high gradient linearizer working on the third harmonic of the main linac frequency is requested. Increasing gradients and reducing dimensions are requirements for XLS and all next generation linear accelerators. Actually, ultra-compact normal conducting accelerating structures, operating in the Ka-band are required to achieve ultra-high gradients for research, industrial and medical applications, with electric field ranging from 100 to 150 MV/m. To fulfill these strong requirements, the R&D of a proper Ka-band klystron with high RF power output and a high efficiency is mandatory. This contribution reports the design of a possible klystron amplifier tube operating on the 010 mode at 36 GHz, the third harmonic of the 12 GHz linac frequency, with an efficiency of 42% and a 20 MW RF power output. This contribution discusses also the high-power DC gun, the beam focusing channel and the RF beam dynamics

Updates on the INFN High Power Ka-band klystron amplifier design program

In the framework of the "Compact Light XLS" project, a short ultra-high gradient linearizer working on the third harmonic of the main linac frequency is requested. Increasing gradients and reducing dimensions are requirements for XLS and all next generation linear accelerators. Actually, ultra-compact normal conducting accelerating structures, operating in the Ka-band regime ranging from 100 to 150 MV/m are required to achieve ultra-high gradients for research, industrial and medical applications. To fulfill these strong requirements, the R&D of a proper Ka-band klystron with RF power output and a high efficiency is mandatory. This contribution reports the design of a possible klystron amplifier tube operating on the TM010 mode at 36 GHz, the third harmonic of the 12 GHz linac frequency, with an efficiency of 42% and a 20 MW RF power output. This contribution discusses also the high-power DC gun, the beam focusing channel and the RF beam dynamics

A validation roadmap of multi-physics simulators of the resonator of mw-class cw gyrotrons for fusion applications

For a few years the multi-physics modelling of the resonance cavity (resonator) of MW-class continuous-wave gyrotrons, to be employed for electron cyclotron heating and current drive in magnetic confinement fusion machines, has gained increasing interest. The rising target power of the gyrotrons, which drives progressively higher Ohmic losses to be removed from the resonator, together with the need for limiting the resonator deformation as much as possible, has put more emphasis on the thermal-hydraulic and thermo-mechanic modeling of the cavity. To cope with that, a multi-physics simulator has been developed in recent years in a shared effort between several European institutions (the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie and Politecnico di Torino, supported by Fusion for Energy). In this paper the current status of the tool calibration and validation is addressed, aiming at highlighting where any direct or indirect comparisons with experimental data are missing and suggesting a possible roadmap to fill that gap, taking advantage of forthcoming tests in Europe

Neuronal Phenotype of col4a1 and col25a1: An Intriguing Hypothesis in Vertebrates Brain Aging

Collagens are the most abundant proteins in vertebrates and constitute the major components of the extracellular matrix. Collagens play an important and multifaceted role in the development and functioning of the nervous system and undergo structural remodeling and quantitative modifications during aging. Here, we investigated the age-dependent regulation of col4a1 and col25a1 in the brain of the short-lived vertebrate Nothobranchius furzeri, a powerful model organism for aging research due to its natural fast-aging process and further characterized typical hallmarks of brain aging in this species. We showed that col4a1 and col25a1 are relatively well conserved during vertebrate evolution, and their expression significantly increases in the brain of N. furzeri upon aging. Noteworthy, we report that both col4a1 and col25a1 are expressed in cells with a neuronal phenotype, unlike what has already been documented in mammalian brain, in which only col25a1 is considered a neuronal marker, whereas col4a1 seems to be expressed only in endothelial cells. Overall, our findings encourage further investigation on the role of col4a1 and col25a1 in the biology of the vertebrate brain as well as the onset of aging and neurodegenerative diseases

Test and modeling of the hydraulic performance of high-efficiency cooling configurations for gyrotron resonance cavities

The design and manufacturing of different full-size mock-ups of the resonance cavity of gyrotrons, relevant for fusion applications, were performed according to two different cooling strategies. The first one relies on mini-channels, which are very promising in the direction of increasing the heat transfer in the heavily loaded cavity, but which could face an excessively large pressure drop, while the second one adopts the solution of Raschig rings, already successfully used in European operating gyrotrons. The mock-ups, manufactured with conventional techniques, were hydraulically characterized at the Thales premises, using water at room temperature. The measured pressure drop data were used to validate the corresponding numerical computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models, developed with the commercial software STAR-CCM+ (Siemens PLM Software, Plano TX, U.S.A.) and resulting in excellent agreement with the test results. When the validated models were used to compare the two optimized cooling configurations, it resulted that, for the same water flow, the mini-channel strategy gave a pressure drop was two-fold greater than that of the Raschig rings strategy, allowing a maximum flow rate of 1 × 10–3 m3/s to meet a maximum allowable pressure drop of 0.5 MPa

Electron Gun and Magnetic Systems Studies for a 36 GHz Klystron Amplifier

Self consistent analytic and numeric design for a set of innovative electron guns suitable for Ka-band klystrons is proposed in this paper. The proposed electron sources are designed to produces narrow beam with high currents that can be used in devices with critical dimensions. The proposed set of electron gun is destined to high power klystrons to be used as power sources for accelerating structures operating in Ka-Band. This family of accelerators is foreseen to achieve energy gradients around 150 MV/m. A klystron amplifier is being investigated in order to feed a linearizer structure. In this paper different electron gun and beam focusing channel designs are presented

Advanced Design of a Low Energy Electron Source

A multiphysics-based modeling design of a low energy electron source using a thermionic cathode is described in this paper. The proposed device produces a narrow beam employable in delicate applications where dimensions are critical. The effects of multiple physics influencing factors due to the cathode heating over the beam dynamics have been predicted through a multiphysics design approach. This paper would provide the needed knowledge for virtual prototyping of such devices. For this aim, several strategies have been adopted to obtain a simple model, which shows clearly the investigated mechanisms. According to this study, the appropriate materials and shapes can be chosen

Climate Change Impact on Aflatoxin Contamination Risk in Malawi's Maize Crops

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with high levels of malnutrition and little domestic mycotoxin regulation. Domestically grown maize is the largest single source of calories in the country and a large contributor to the economy. This research uses Regional Climate Models (RCMs) to determine the climatic conditions in the three regions of Malawi (Northern, Central and Southern) in 2035 (2020\u20132049) and 2055 (2040\u20132069) as compared to the baseline climate of 1971\u20132000. This climatic data is then used as inputs to the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) AquaCrop model to assess the impact on the growth cycle of two maize varieties grown in each region and sown at three different times during the planting season. Finally, AFLA-maize, a mechanistic model, is applied to determine the impact of these projected changes on the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination risk. We find that Malawi's climate is projected to get warmer (by 1\u20132.5\ub0C) and drier (reduction of 0\u20134% in annual rainfall levels) in all regions, although some uncertainty remains around the changes in precipitation levels. These climatic changes are expected to shorten the growing season for maize, bringing the harvest date forward by between 10 and 25 days for the short-development variety and between 25 and 65 days for the long-development variety. These changes are also projected to make the pre-harvest conditions for Malawian maize more favorable for AFB1 contamination and risk maps for the studied conditions were drawn. Exceedances of EU safety thresholds are expected to be possible in all regions, with the risk of contamination moving northwards in a warming climate