BREAKDOWN IN WAVEGUIDES DUE TO THE MULTIPACTOR EFFECT
Abstract
This report presents the theory of the multipactor effect and applies it to the problem of transmitting high power levels through waveguides operating at low gas pressures. The multipactor effect is a secondary electron resonance phenomenon. As such, it can occur only for certain combinations of operating conditions. Charts are presented showing the operating conditions which lead to the multipactor effect in its various modes. It is shown that only the high order breakdown modes are of concern for ordinary waveguide operation. The theory shows that breakdown in the higher order modes is possible only for certain very restricted ranges of peak voltage. Therefore, it is quite unlikely that multipactor breakdown will actually occur in an ordinary rectangular waveguide. Since published experimental measurements of the multipactor breakdown conditions agree very well with the theory presented here, this theory can be used with a high degree of confidence in making predictions of multipactor breakdown possibilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0601069
Entities
People
- H. M. Wachowski
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation