The project develops an RF power source using injection-locked magnetrons, aiming to deliver a stable, controllable, and efficient alternative to conventional RF generators. The work is organised in phases: first demonstrating injection locking of a single magnetron, then combining two synchronised units with low-level RF control. The effort is a collaboration between SolidWatts, Lancaster University, and CERN, combining expertise, infrastructure, and in-kind contributions.

Magnetrons are considered one of the most cost effective RF power sources on the market today, but they lack the possibility of controlling their frequency, phase and amplitude. Using the concept of injection locking, this level of control can be achieved by priming the magnetron using a lower power solid state amplifier to fix the RF operating parameters at magnetron startup. Once this level of RF power control is achieved, multiple applications could become reality: E.g. the combination of power from many magnetrons into a single application (e.g. an accelerator) or beamforming using a line of multiple magnetrons for controlled and steered heating applications. This technology could enable new applications in the industrial heating market while allowing for lower cost industrial, scientific and medical accelerators.

CERN expertise

CERN contributes its unique experience in the domain of generation, distribution and control of high power RF which acts as a seed environment for this kind of impactful future technology.

Applocation areas:

• Dielectric heating: Magnetrons provide efficient, high-power RF at 2.45 GHz, well-suited for industrial and scientific heating processes (e.g., drying, curing, material processing).

• Particle accelerators & RF systems: Stable, synchronized magnetrons can serve as cost-effective RF drivers for accelerator cavities and research facilities

Key features of this technology:

• Phase-stable, high-power RF via injection-locked magnetrons

• Cost-effective alternative to conventional RF sources

• Enables electrification of originally fossil-fuel-based industrial heating processes 

Project partner:

SolidWatts is a start-up based in France that aims to help use resources more efficiently and migrate industry away from fossil fuels. Their focus lies on how to create Radio Frequency (RF) power in the most efficient, reliable and cost effective way possible.