Linear theory of the electron cyclotron maser based on TM circular waveguide mode

Abstract

A linear theory of the electron cyclotron maser, which is applicable to any TM circular waveguide mode, is developed by using Laplace transforms. This theory can be used to analyze the linear behaviors of both the TM mode gyrotron traveling wave tube (gyro-TWT) and the TM mode gyrotron backward wave oscillator (gyro-BWO). Numerical results show that, although the TM mode is less effective than the TE mode for the gyro-TWT interaction, the TM mode may be as effective as the TE mode for the gyro-BWO interaction, even in the case of weak relativistic electron energy.