High efficiency operation of a plasma-assisted slow-wave microwave oscillator at a MW power level

A. G. Shkvarunets, Y. Carmel, G. S. Nusinovich, T. M. Abu-elfadl, J. Rodgers, T. M. Antonsen, V. Granatstein, Yuriy Bliokh, Dan M. Goebel, John P. Verboncoeur

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Conventional microwave sources utilize strong axial magnetic fields to guide an electron beam through an interaction region. A plasma-assisted slow-wave microwave oscillator (Pasotron) can operate without external magnetic fields because the presence of ions neutralizes the beam space charge and allows for radial motion of electrons under the action of transverse fields of the wave. The inherent efficiency of conventional microwave sources based on interaction with the backward wave with a 1-D electron flow is typically limited to 15-20%. The current thrust is to take advantage of the 2-D electron motion in the pasotron in order to demonstrate high efficiency operation at the megawatt power level. Indeed, an efficiency in excess of 40% was demonstrated experimentally at power level of 1MW with the beam voltage of ∼55kV and currents in the range of 40-50A. The biggest challenges associated with efficient, high power operation of the Pasotron are beam dynamics, power extraction and mode competition. Theoretical studies, PIC simulations and the experimental data all indicate that both steady state and transient beam-dynamics of the self-pinching beam in the pasotron is well understood. Most recent theoretical and experimental activities will be reviewed, with an emphasis on stationary and non-stationary beam dynamics, beam wave interaction and efficient power extraction.

Original languageEnglish
Article number3C8-9
Pages (from-to)218
Number of pages1
JournalIEEE International Conference on Plasma Science
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2004
Externally publishedYes
EventIEEE Conference Record - Abstracts: The 31st IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science, ICOPS2004 - Baltimore, MD, United States
Duration: 28 Jun 20041 Jul 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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