Description

This magnetron consists of a turnable metal cylinder with protruding metal pieces housed inside of two horseshoe shaped electromagnets. Serial number 6745/8117, MIT property number 0042275.

Magnetrons are high-power vacuum tubes developed for use in early radar systems. They generate microwave signals from the electric current supplied to the vacuum tubes. This one was a commercial variety that was used for experimentation in a lab in Building 38, likely for work done under a Department of Defense contract.