Relativistic Magnetron Priming Experiments and Theory
Abstract
Experiments and simulations were performed on magnetic priming to improve performance of relativistic magnetrons. Magnetic priming comprises N/2 azimuthal variations of magnetic field in N-cavity magnetrons. Experiments were performed on the 6-cavity, UM-L-3 magnetron at MELBA-C parameters of-300 kV, 1-5 kA and 300-500 ns. For unbalanced loads, magnetron performance was greatly improved by magnetic priming over baseline (uniform-B), including: a) reduction of start-oscillation time to 57% of baseline, b) Doubling of peak microwave power, and c) 20% increase in pulselength. Smaller improvements were observed for the balanced load case. Microwave window breakdown was eliminated by a redesign, tripling both the microwave power and pulselength. Theory included: 1. Discovery of unexpected effects of ions in magnetically insulated crossed-field gap. 2) Buneman-Hartree condition was critically re-examined in a cylindrical relativistic magnetron.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA519384
Entities
People
- R. M. Gilgenbach
- R. Vidmar
- Y. Y. Lau
Organizations
- University of Michigan