Photo of the Week: RF Circulator Protects Spallation Neutron Source Klystrons From Energy Reflections

Spallation Neutron Source RF Circulators – Internal view of a radio-frequency circulator. Circulators are positioned throughout the SNS Klystron Gallery where high-power klystron microwave tubes operate to power the SNS linear accelerator. Each circulator functions as an isolator to protect the klystrons from energy reflections, or backflow. This is accomplished by using three ferrite disks with directional properties that allow RF power to flow in only one direction. The circulators redirect reflected power to a radio-frequency load where it is safely dissipated.

Photo Credit: Genevieve Martin, Oak Ridge National Laboratory