High-gain<i>X</i>-band dielectric Cherenkov maser

Abstract

Particle-in-cell simulations of a high-power X-band dielectric Cherenkov maser experiment indicate strong particle bunching for drive currents greater than a few kA. Good agreement between the calculations and experimental measurements have been obtained. Depending on the parameters and configuration of the device, the simulations demonstrate power levels of up to 900 MW with rf conversion efficiencies of 37%. One-third of the total beam power can be contained in well-defined bunches which may be used to drive compact high-gradient linear acclerators.