A two stage slow wave cyclotron amplifier is investigated to demonstra
te a high power, stable, and broad Ka-band radiation source, operating
at a low beam power (similar to 60 kV, similar to 5 amps) and a low m
agnetic field (similar to 7 kG) A linear theory predicts that the seco
nd harmonic gyro-BWO is competing in the amplifier and can be stabiliz
ed by inserting a sever in the interaction circuit. A slow-time-scale
non-linear code, with a sever included, predicts a saturated gain of 2
4-28 dB, an efficiency of 15-17%, and an instantaneous bandwidth of 15
-20% at a beam axial velocity spread of 2%. A broadband rf coupler, a
mode converter, and a rf vacuum window are designed by the use of a 3-
D electromagnetic, finite element code. Measured rf characteristics ar
e in good agreement with predictions.