Helitron: Operation at High Frequency Orbital Harmonics and the Mode of Electron Phase Selection

Abstract

The possibilities of improving the output characteristics of the helitron in two directions have been studied – increasing the efficiency in the phase selection mode of electrons and increasing the operating frequency through the use of a multi-lamella electrodynamic system (increasing the azimuthal index n of the operating mode). The results obtained during the experiments indicate the unique capabilities of the helitron at very high harmonics of the electron orbital frequency: up to n = 96, the device has an acceptable efficiency for low-power generators in the electron phase selection mode. This opens up prospects for using such a generator in the millimeter wavelength range. However, in this range, instead of a high-frequency multi-lamella line, an azimuthally corrugated rod with a depth of longitudinal grooves ∆r = λ/4 should be used. This is most effective in providing thermal conditions.