Experimental study of virtual cathode oscillator in uniform magnetic field

Abstract

Results from 350 kV, 7 kA virtual cathode oscillator experiments are presented. High-frequency (11–17.6 GHz) high-power (15±7 MW) microwave radiation by a virtual cathode oscillator with a guide magnetic field has been obtained. It has been found that the oscillating virtual cathode and the beam electrons trapped between the real and the virtual cathodes radiate microwaves at two distinct frequencies. The dominant source of radiation is the reflexing electrons. A nonsymmetrical microwave mode TM11 has been observed.