STUDY OF PLASMA AMPLIFIERS.

Abstract

A combined theoretical and experimental program to investigate several fast wave interaction mechanisms between microwave radiation and a plasma or electron gas in a uniform magnetic field is described. An 'average electron' model is presented; this model is applicable to the situation of electrons in a rectangular waveguide. The model predicts the predominance of the relativistically dependent mechanism as the phase velocity of the wave approaches infinity, e.g., the situation at waveguide cutoff. Measurements of the absorption of microwave power by electrons in a rectangular waveguide are presented. These data show the relativistic shift of the absorption curve with increasing 'transverse' electron energy. Both from technical and economic considerations, an amplifier device, based on these fast wave mechanisms does not appear to be feasible at this time. To realize a practical amplifier a reliable and economical method of producing a highly anisotropic electron beam must be developed.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 29, 1964
Accession Number
AD0606137

Entities

People

  • J. Coccoli

Organizations

  • M/A-COM Technology Solutions

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption
  • Amplifiers
  • Corpuscular Radiation
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Electron Beams
  • Electron Energy
  • Electron Gas
  • Electrons
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Microwaves
  • Nuclear Radiation
  • Phase Velocity
  • Radiation
  • Waveguides

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Microwave Engineering.
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics