Quasi-optical theory of amplification of surface waves propagating above corrugated structures by a relativistic electron beam (impedance approximation)

Abstract

The impedance model that describes the amplification of a monochromatic wave by a relativistic electron beam that propagates rectilinearly over a corrugated structure is constructed based on quasi-optical approach. In this model, the electric field component acting on electrons is written taking into account induced rf fields of the space charge of the beam. The dispersion equation used to determine the instability increments in various ranges of parameters has been obtained in the weak signal approximation. The efficiency of the energy exchange at the saturation stage of amplification is determined using a 2D nonlinear model in which the propagation of the wave has been described by a parabolic equation with a radiative boundary condition. The possibility of using the system under investigation to amplify submillimeter radiation has been demonstrated.