Chaotic signal generation in a CW K-band gyro-TWT with strong output reflections

Abstract

We experimentally study the dynamics of a K-band continuous wave gyro-resonant traveling wave tube (gyro-TWT) with strong output reflections. By varying system parameters, we have obtained transitions from periodic self-modulation regimes with line spectra to more complex oscillation regimes. We present the analysis of experimental data verifying the experimental observation of chaotic oscillation regimes. We have shown that chaotic oscillation regimes emerge in a fairly narrow parameter area, about 0.5% of magnetic field strength and about 10% of reflectivity. Maximum oscillation power reaches 0.5 kW at about 2% efficiency. For a gyro-TWT with output reflections operating in the CW mode, the chaotic oscillations are being experimentally observed and systematically analyzed for the first time.