Relativistic backward-wave oscillators operating near cyclotron resonance

Journal Article · Sat May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Physics of Fluids B; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.860902· OSTI ID:6607571

Vlasov, A; Nusinovich, G; Levush, B; Bromborsky, A; Lou, W; Carmel, Y ^[1]

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1. Laboratory for Plasma Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742-3511 (United States)

Microwave sources based on backward-wave oscillators (BWO's) driven by relativistic electron beams are capable of producing high-power coherent radiation in the cm and mm wavelength region. When the axial magnetic field used in these devices to confine the electron beam satisfies the condition of cyclotron resonance there is a significant modification in the behavior of BWO due to beam coupling to cyclotron modes. In this paper a time-dependent, self-consistent theory of BWO's is developed, taking into account a possible cyclotron interaction. The analysis of the system near the cyclotron resonance yields the power drop due to the cyclotron absorption effect observed in many BWO experiments. In addition, the theory predicts that there exists a region of magnetic field strength, where an increase in power and efficiency is possible. Depending on the value of the magnetic field and beam coupling to cyclotron mode various regimes of BWO operation are possible, including stable single-frequency oscillations, self-modulation, and a succession of microwave bursts.

• OSTI ID: 6607571
• Journal Information: Physics of Fluids B; (United States), Journal Name: Physics of Fluids B; (United States) Vol. 5:5; ISSN PFBPEI; ISSN 0899-8221
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700390* -- Other Plasma Physics Studies-- (1992-)
BACKWARD WAVE TUBES
BEAMS
COHERENT RADIATION
CYCLOTRON RESONANCE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRON BEAMS
ELECTRON TUBES
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENERGY RANGE
EQUIPMENT
FREE ELECTRON LASERS
LASERS
LEPTON BEAMS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MICROWAVE EQUIPMENT
MICROWAVE RADIATION
MICROWAVE TUBES
PARTICLE BEAMS
RADIATIONS
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
RESONANCE