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High-power microwave emission from a virtual cathode oscillator

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2009

H. Sze
Affiliation:
Physics International Company, 2700 Merced Street, San Leandro, CA 94577, USA
J. Benford
Affiliation:
Physics International Company, 2700 Merced Street, San Leandro, CA 94577, USA
W. Woo
Affiliation:
Physics International Company, 2700 Merced Street, San Leandro, CA 94577, USA

Abstract

Pinched electron beams emit high power microwaves by formation of a virtual cathode. Radiation occurs simultaneously with pinching or slightly thereafter. Observations of strong electrostatic fields and the partitioning of current into reflexing and transmitting populations at the same time that microwaves are emitted indicate virtual cathode formation. Microwaves originate mainly from the virtual cathode side of the anode. A two-dimensional model for the electron flow in the presence of a virtual cathode is presented. The model allows for electron reflexing and velocity distribution spread. Solutions with strong radial flow agree closely with microwave measurements, and result in the microwave frequency scaling linearly with diode current.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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