Microwave generation from an axially extracted virtual cathode oscillator with a guide magnetic field

Abstract

The operation of a virtual cathode oscillator (vircator) with strong axial magnetic field has been experimentally studied. Depending on the cathode–anode gap and cathode diameter, the operating voltage varies from 200 kV up to 480 kV with 2–7 kA diode current. Microwave emission is produced by the oscillating virtual cathode. The central microwave frequency follows the beam plasma frequency. It varies by 11.5 GHz up to 22 GHz, depending on the current density. The oscillation frequency does not depend on the guide magnetic field magnitude. A maximal output power of 15±5 MW in asymmetric transverse magnetic (TM) modes is achieved by the axially extracted vircator. Variation of the magnetic field intensity in a range of 0–40 kG has an insignificant effect upon the emitted microwave power. An electron beam power to microwave power conversion efficiency of approximately 1% is obtained.