Mean life of klystrons

It would be useful to have the best possible estimate of this mean life-time of our new klystrons based on the most recent, available operating experience. A simple formula is given for this best estimate, based on the maximum likelihood method. This method also provides an indication of the reliability of the estimated lifetime. The results given here apply uniquely to a uniform klystron population for which we can assume that deaths occur randomly, and independently of the previous history (operating time) of any one klystron.