MILLIMETER WAVE COMPONENT DEVELOPMENT (BEAM-PLASMA AMPLIFIER).
Abstract
The requirements of plasmas for use in millimeter and sub-millimeter-wave beam plasma amplifiers are discussed. The criteria are described for determining the gas type and pressure in terms of the mean-free path of beam electrons. The theory of electron beam scattering is examined and it is found that electron-atom collisions dominate over electron-ion collisions. Extensive experimental studies of the PIG discharge are described. The parameters affecting the discharge such as pressure, magnetic field, and geometry are examined. A maximum value of magnetic field is found beyond which anomalous diffusion results in a decrease in plasma density. Gas pressures in excess of 50 x 0.001 torr do not result in higher plasma densities due to short mean-free paths in the PIG. The one- and two-hot-cathode mode of operation of the PIG is investigated. The two-hot-cathode mode results in a discharge much less sensitive to parameters such as magnetic field, cathode temperature and gas pressure. Extensive density measurements with various PIG dimensions show that plasma frequencies in the 2 mm range can be conveniently produced in xenon gas at pressures in the 30-50 x 0.001 torr range and discharge currents in the 3-4 range. It is observed that the generation of these plasmas is apparently independent of the discharge volume. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0616548
Entities
People
- Paul Chorney
- Richard J. Madore
Organizations
- M/A-COM Technology Solutions