An evacuated electron-beam tube in which an initial velocity modulation imparted to electrons in the beam results subsequently in density modulation of the beam. A klystron is used either as an amplifier in the microwave region or as an oscillator. For use as an amplifier, a klystron receives microwave energy at an input cavity through which the electron beam passes. The microwave energy modulates the velocities of electrons in the beam, which then enters a drift space. Here the faster electrons overtake the slower to form bunches. In this manner, the uniform current density of the initial beam is converted to an alternating current. The bunched beam with its significant component of alternating current then passes through an output cavity to which the beam transfers its ac energy.