Microwave Emission from Relativistic Electron Beams

Abstract

Profile modification by optical guiding in a Raman free electron laser operating at microwave frequencies was studied experimentally. A cyclotron autoresonance maser (CARM) amplifier was designed, built, and tested. This CARM operates at 35 GHz with a power output of 10 MW and an efficiency of three percent. Observations of Field Profile Modifications in a Raman Free Electron Laser Amplifier: We report measurements of the spatial distribution of the RF electric field intensities and phases induced in a free electron laser amplifier operating in the collective (Raman) regime. The studies are carried out at a microwave frequency of about 10 GHz in a FEL using a mildly relativistic electron beam of about 200 keV energy and 1 - 4 A current. The probing of the ponderomotive (space charge) and the electromagnetic waves is accomplished by means of small movable electric dipole antennas inserted into the interaction region. A 35 GHz Cyclotron Autoresonance Maser Amplifier: Studies of a cyclotron autoresonance maser are presented. The measurements are carried out at a frequency of 35 GHz using a mildly relativistic electron beam (1.5 MeV, 260 A) generated by a field emission electron gun followed by an emittance selector that removes the outer, hot electrons. Perpendicular energy is imparted to the electrons by means of a bifilar helical wiggler. Measurements give a small signal gain of 90 dB/m and a saturated power output of 10 MW. The corresponding electronic efficiency is 3%. Computer simulations are also presented.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA209653

Entities

People

  • George Bekefi

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Amplifiers
  • Cyclotron Waves
  • Cyclotrons
  • Dipole Antennas
  • Efficiency
  • Electric Fields
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Electron Beams
  • Electrons
  • Emission
  • Free Electron Lasers
  • Free Electrons
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Measurement
  • Spatial Distribution

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electronics Engineering
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster