Title :
A High-Efficiency Megawatt-Class Nonrelativistic Magnetron
Author :
Fleming, Timothy P. ; Lambrecht, Michael R. ; Mardahl, Peter J. ; Keisling, John D.
Author_Institution :
Air Force Res. Lab., Albuquerque, NM, USA
Abstract :
Numerical simulations of a prototype conventional magnetron capable of an RF output power exceeding 1.3 MW at peak efficiency greater than 87% for relatively low diode voltages of ~ 40 kV are presented. Virtual prototyping of the magnetron design is carried out on massively parallel architecture utilizing the 3-D improved concurrent electromagnetic particle-in-cell code. Simulations demonstrate that the magnetron is capable of stable and robust oscillations in the π mode at saturation with negligible mode competition at 912 MHz over a range of magnetic fields extending from B = 0.18 T to B = 0.275 T and voltages ranging from 37-56 kV. RF Output power ranged from 400 kW-1.5 MW over these voltages with efficiencies typically above 85%. Oscillations in the π mode follow the Buneman-Hartree resonance curve for all magnetic fields sampled with a window of π-mode oscillations typically extending over 6 kV. Electron back bombardment of the cathode as well as collisions with the slow wave structure acted as major loss mechanisms.
Keywords :
magnetrons; numerical analysis; π-mode oscillation; 3D improved concurrent electromagnetic particle-in-cell code; Buneman-Hartree resonance curve; cathode electron back bombardment; frequency 912 MHz; high-efficiency megawatt-class nonrelativistic magnetron; magnetic flux density 0.18 T; magnetic flux density 0.275 T; magnetron design; numerical simulation; power 400 kW to 1.5 MW; voltage 37 kV to 56 kV; wave structure; Anodes; Cathodes; Magnetic resonance; Magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetomechanical effects; Radio frequency; Saturation magnetization; Conventional magnetron; high-power microwave; mode competition;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TPS.2012.2205274