Similarity of stability characteristics of planar and coaxial crossed-field diodes

Abstract

Simulations of cylindrical crossed-field diodes for anode/cathode radius ratios of 2 and 5 indicate that the limiting current curve in the region B<BH in coaxial diodes follows the planar theory and simulations very closely. Coaxial diodes also follow planar theory predicting transition to turbulence in the region B≳BH. Larger radius ratio (10, 20) diodes show somewhat larger limits. These results show little variation with respect to operating voltage or cathode radius. A possible explanation for this behavior is also examined.