Chaotic oscillations in electron beam with virtual cathode in external magnetic field

Abstract

This article presents the results of a numerical study of external magnetic field influence on the conditions and mechanisms of virtual cathode (VC) formation in a relativistic electron beam. It also considers other related issues, e.g. peculiarities of nonlinear dynamics of electron beam with VC under changed external magnetic field, different mechanisms of VC oscillation chaotisation leading to complication of vircator system dynamics and appearance of multi-frequency VC oscillations. General systemic mechanism of VC oscillation chaotisation has been identified which is connected with formation of electronic patterns in electron beam whose interaction in the common field of spatial charge determines appearance of additional inner feedback. Transition from chaotic to periodical oscillation regime is found to be connected with destroying the mechanism of secondary electronic structures (electron bunches) formation. Besides, the influence of extent of screening of electron gun from magnetic field is discussed.