Nonlinear Analysis of a Relativistic Beam-Plasma Cyclotron Instability.
Abstract
A self-consistent set of nonlinear and relativistic wave-particle equations are derived for a magnetized beam/plasma system interacting with electromagnetic cyclotron waves. In particular, the high frequency cyclotron mode interacting with a streaming and gyrating electron beam within a background plasma is considered in some detail. This interaction mode may possibly find application as a high power source of coherent short wavelength radiation for laboratory devices. The background plasma, although passive, plays a central role in this mechanism by modifying the dielectric properties in which the magnetized electron beam propagates. For a particular choice of the transverse beam velocity, i.e., speed of light/relativistic mass factor, the interaction frequency equals the nonrelativistic electron cyclotron frequency times the relativistic mass factor. For this choice of transverse beam velocity the detrimental effects of a longitudinal beam velocity spread is virtually removed. Power conversion efficiencies in excess of 18% are both analytically calculated and obtained through numerical simulations of the wave-particle equations. The quality of the electron beam, degree of energy and pitch angle spread, and its effect on the beam-plasma cyclotron instability is studied. Keywords: Cyclotron maser.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 19, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA159159
Entities
People
- L. Vlahos
- Phillip A. Sprangle
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory