Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation study of a relativistic magnetron
- Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-1186 (United States)
- Mission Research Corporation, 1720 Randolf Road SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 (United States)
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117 (United States)
The A6 (six cavity) magnetron operated at relativistic voltages is investigated using three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation. Previous experiments [A. Palevsky and G. Bekefi, Phys. Fluids {bold 22}, 986 (1979)] are repeated numerically for the purpose of ascertaining fidelity of code results in addition to obtaining insight into magnetron operation at high voltage. Simulations produce all qualitative behavior observed in experiments, with good quantitative agreement in most cases. This numerical study also reveals details concerning mode control, the cause and prevention of leakage current, and voltage scaling in the A6. It is shown that: (1) leakage current substantially reduces efficiency, (2) elimination of leakage current using cathode endcaps substantially increases efficiency, and (3) the functional dependence of operating voltage on applied magnetic field may depart from conventional scaling at very high voltage. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.} thinsp
- OSTI ID:
- 295524
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 6; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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