A classical electron cyclotron quasioptical maser

Abstract

In this work a new classical electron cyclotron maser oscillator is proposed and analyzed. The configuration utilizes an open-resonator cavity containing a gyrating electron beam, which translates along an external magnetic field directed transverse to the axis of symmetry of the resonator. The nonlinear interaction between the electrons and resonator fields have been analyzed, and an expression for the steady-state efficiency is obtained. For a uniform, external magnetic field our example shows that total efficiencies in excess of 30% can be realized, while appropriately contouring the field increases the efficiency to ∼45%.