Microwave frequency determination mechanisms in a coaxial vircator

Xupeng Chen, James Dickens, John Mankowski, Lynn L. Hatfield, Eun Ha Choi, Magne Kristiansen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Traditionally, the radiated microwave frequency in a coaxial vircator is considered to be determined primarily by the virtual cathode oscillation frequency and the electron reflection frequency. In this paper, some experiments showing different results are reported. In particular, the E-beam is observed to play an important role in the cavity formation. Some possible explanations, including a virtual cavity concept, are proposed. The cavity resonance effect on a coaxial virtual cathode oscillator with different geometries has been investigated in detail. Investigation of the E-beam performance will improve understanding of the interaction between the E-beam and microwaves, which is a key for determining the microwave frequency. These results are helpful in optimizing the design of a cylindrical diode to avoid microwave frequency shifting and mode competition.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1799-1804
Number of pages6
JournalIEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
Volume32
Issue number5 I
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2004

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