Klystron radar - A powerful radar that is used to forecast weather patterns by meteorologists. This technology uses a beam of accelerated electrons and a transit time effect to produce a coherent transmission signal. There are however some limitations to using klystron-radars. They can't be used on magnetron-radars. This is the main problem. They also have a reduced matched filter bandwidth. They are also expensive and may interfere with magnetic navigation equipment.
Klystron systems work well in airports, coastal areas and other high-profile research settings. They can also be used for numeric forecast modeling. They can also remove high frequency clutter.
In addition to being flexible, Klystron technology is a safer investment. Unlike magnetron technology, it does not support pulse compression. In the next five- to ten years, this technology is expected to catch up with radar. Its main advantage is its higher purity. Klystrons have a wider spectrum which can be used for data-analysis as well as numeric weather modeling.
There are many klystron radar models on the market. They vary in size, from very small to very large. Varian Corporation's VA-842 klystron is the largest. It has a cone-shaped collector aniode that can produce upto 200 W power at wavelengths measuring 40 centimeters. This bank was in operation for over 29,000 hours in Thule, Greenland.
Klystron radars offer a great advantage for coastal lines. Because of the transit effect, the electron beam speeds up from low to very high velocity. After passing through the tube's drift tube, the electron bunches up to form a longitudinal beam along the axis of the resonant cavity. The collector electrode absorbs these electrons to maintain a positive voltage. Alternatively, a second resonant cavity may be utilized for the same purpose.
Unlike magnetrons, klystrons have the advantage of being able to be tuned by an external source. They can also be tuned for various weather conditions. They can even be tuned for high frequency rainfall. Some klystron systems include additional "buncher" cavities, which further improve the speed of the accelerating electron beam.
Magnetron and Klystron technology have been trading in the meteor radar transmitter market over the past five year. The Magnetron market is growing at a faster pace, but it remains competitive. The klystron sector is seeing slower growth. Despite these differences both technologies are considered to represent the state of art.
Klystron systems can detect and warn about tornadoes and hurricanes. They are suitable for both coastal and hilly areas. However, these technologies are not commonly employed for dual-polarization applications.
Klystrons were around for decades. In fact, the first commercial klystron was manufactured by Westinghouse in 1940. Their market share was nearly identical until the last five years. The Magnetron market is growing, especially in South America. Klystron is still stable, even though it's more competitive.
Unlike Magnetrons, klystrons use the kinetic energy of the electron beam to modulate the electric field. They can alter the speed of an electron beam, generating a more coherent message, and so they can do this.