Klystron radar - A powerful radar that is used to forecast weather patterns by meteorologists. This technology uses a beam accelerated electrons with a transit time effect in order to produce a coherent transmitting signal. However, there are disadvantages to using the klystron radios. They can't be used on magnetron-radars. This is the main problem. Additionally, their matchedfilter bandwidth is limited. 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. Klystron systems are well-suited for numerical weather modeling. They can also remove high frequency clutter.
Klystron is also flexible and a better investment. It doesn't support pulse compression like magnetron tech. In the next five to ten years, radar communities will catch up to this technology. It has the advantage of being more pure. Klystrons' spectrum is more suppressed than other types, which is a benefit for data-analysis and numeric forecast modelling.
There are many klystron models available. These range in size from extremely small to very large. One of the largest klystrons in operation is the VA-842 by Varian Corporation. It uses a cone-shaped collector, and generates up to 200W power at wavelengths of 40 cm. The bank of these tubes operated in Thule Greenland for more than 29,000 Hours.
Klystron radars can also be used for coastal lines. The transit time effect accelerates the electron beam from low velocity to high speed. After passing through a tube's drift tube the electron bundles up and forms a longitudinal beam along axis of resonant cavity. These electrons are absorbed into the collector electrode which maintains a positive voltage. Another option is to use a second cavity resonant for the exact same purpose.
Klystrons are able to be tuned using an external source. This is unlike magnetrons. They can be adjusted to suit different weather conditions. You can tune them for high-frequency precipitation. Some klystron systems include additional "buncher" cavities, which further improve the speed of the accelerating electron beam.
Klystron and Magnetron technology have been sharing the weather radar transmitter market for the past five years. The Magnetron market is growing at a faster pace, but it remains competitive. The klystron sector is seeing slower growth. Despite their differences, both technologies are considered the state-ofthe-art.
Klystron systems can detect and warn about tornadoes and hurricanes. They are an excellent choice for areas with high hills and coastlines. Dual-polarization applications do not typically use these technologies.
Klystrons are a well-known invention that has been in use for many decades. In fact, the first commercial klystron was manufactured by Westinghouse in 1940. Their market share was almost identical up until the last five-years. Now, however, the Magnetron market has grown, especially in South-American countries. The Klystron market is stable, despite being more competitive.
Klystrons are able to use the kinetic energie of the electron beam, which is unlike Magnetrons. This allows them to modify the electric fields. They can alter the speed of an electron beam, generating a more coherent message, and so they can do this.