3D PIC simulation study of the relativistic magnetron
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
The magnetron oscillator is a highly efficient device for generating microwaves. When operated at low voltage (V < 100 kV) efficiencies of 80% can be achieved. Attempts to extend magnetron operation to relativistic voltages (V {approximately} 500 kV) have yielded high power (P {approximately} 1 GW), but with low efficiency (30% or less). Furthermore, severe pulse shortening was observed in all experiments. Limited diagnostic capability precludes an in-depth understanding of the physical phenomena present in the relativistic magnetron. This provided the motivation to begin an investigation of relativistic magnetrons using 3D, electromagnetic, particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation. The intent is to determine whether there are inherent limitations in the relativistic magnetron that preclude high efficiency operation. The magnetron is intrinsically a 3D problem. 3D simulation is required to obtain the correct electromagnetic fields and realistically model power extraction, for example. The authors have used the 3D PIC code QUICKSILVER to perform a simulation study of the Palevsky/Bekefi A6 magnetron experiments. The latter serve as somewhat of a benchmark for modeling this complicated tube. The author discusses the results of this study, which are consistent with experimental observations.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 343602
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980601-; TRN: IM9921%%65
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 25. international conference on plasma science, Raleigh, NC (United States), 1-4 Jun 1998; Other Information: PBD: 1998; Related Information: Is Part Of IEEE conference record -- Abstracts. 1998 IEEE international conference on plasma science; PB: 343 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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