Bakeable UHV gate valve for microwave tube experimentation

The performance characteristics and design of an ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) gate valve intended for experiments on high-power microwave tubes are described. Tests run on the valve indicate open/close cycles can run into the hundreds or thousands without trouble. The valve was baked at 450 C or higher for at least 4 h. Applications of the valve include evaluation of NASA-design multistage depressed collectors for high-power PPM focused helix-type traveling-wave tubes.