Storage of The Microwave Window of Space Traveling Wave Tubes

Abstract

The microwave window is the main component of the space traveling wave tube and an important transmission component for transmitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves in the tube. The microwave window is generally welded with silver solder, and stored in a vacuum cabinet. After storage for some time, the microwave window surface becomes black. The analysis shows that the rubber products placed in the vacuum cabinet cause vulcanization of the silver soldered joints of the high-frequency components, leading to storage failure. Combining experimental results and theoretical analysis, the sulfur in the rubber is relatively stable under atmospheric conditions. However, in a vacuum state, sulfur is relatively easy to sublimate from the rubber into the vacuum cabinet, which will diffuse a large amount of sulfur vapor in the vacuum cabinet. These sulfur vapors react with the silver solder to form Ag2S, so the sulfur-containing rubber should not be placed in a vacuum cabinet.