High Current, Long-Pulse, Gyrotron-Backward-Wave Oscillator Experiments
Abstract
During the past few decades, considerable interest has been generated in the production of efficient, high power, high frequency coherent electromagnetic sources. Several devices exist in which coherent microwaves can be generated, such as the relativistic magnetron, klystrons gyro-Klystrons magnetically insulated line oscillators (MILOs), virtual cathode oscillators (VIRCATORS), backward wave oscillators (BWOs), electron cyclotron resonance masers, the cusptron, as well as many others. The class of electron cyclotron resonance masers includes the peniotron, the gyrotron which is defined as having a large phase velocity,, the cyclotron autoresonance maser (CARM) which is defined as device in which the phase velocity is approximately the speed of light and the gyrotron-backward-wave oscillator (gyro-BWO) which is defined as a device with both the phase and group velocities less than zero. The above devices produce microwaves (for amplification and for oscillation) by the radiative emission from relativistic electrons in intense electron beams, which brings about the acronym MASER (Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). Radiation from the electrons occurs when the electrons undergo oscillations caused by the action of external forces, such as spatially and temporally uniform electromagnetic fields, periodic electromagnetic fields, or crossed electromagnetic fields. Coherent radiation exists when the radiation from the electrons reinforces the initial electromagnetic radiation created by an oscillator, or by reinforcing an initial wave introduced into the system (in an amplifier).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA356853
Entities
People
- Thomas A. Spencer
Organizations
- University of Michigan