Observation of Harmonic Gyro-Backward-Wave Oscillation in a 100 GHz CARM Oscillator Experiment

Abstract

A cyclotron autoresonance maser (CARM) oscillator experiment is reported, using a 600 keV, 200 A electron beam, and a whispering-gallery-mode rippled-wall Bragg cavity. This device was designed to produce tens of megawatts of radiation at 100 GHz from a CARM interaction, but instead has produced only moderate powers (tens of kWs) in fundamental gyrotron modes near 35 GHz, in third-harmonic-gyro-BWO modes, and possible third-harmonic gyrotron modes at frequencies near the expected CARM frequency, with no discernable CARM radiation. The lack of observable CARM radiation is attributed to excessive ripple on the voltage waveform and to mode competition. Calculations of the spectrum and growth rate of the backward-wave oscillations are consistent with the experimental observation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 16, 1991
Accession Number
ADA232063

Entities

People

  • Arne W. Fliflet
  • Carol A. Sullivan
  • Robert B. Mccowan
  • Steven H. Gold

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Competition
  • Cyclotrons
  • Doppler Effect
  • Electron Beams
  • Electrons
  • Free Electron Lasers
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Gyrotrons
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Microwaves
  • Oscillation
  • Oscillators
  • Particle Accelerators
  • Radiation
  • Terahertz Radiation
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electronics Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics