Toward the Design of High Power and High Efficiency Relativistic Magnetrons using Novel Cathode Geometries

Summary form only given. A novel relativistic magnetron priming technique consisting of either a shaped cathode, a main center cathode with several satellite cathodes (Eggbeater design), or only the satellite cathodes (transparent cathode design) is investigated using the three-dimensional electromagnetic particle in cell code ICEPIC. This priming technique allows for perturbations of the diode electric field such that a DC azimuthal electric field component, E_thetas, is introduced within the electron hub region. Additionally, for both the transparent and Eggbeater designs, a high amplitude azimuthal RF electric field component develops within the interaction region as well. These azimuthal field components in turn hasten the capture of electrons into spokes and initiate oscillations.