3D PIC simulation study of the relativistic magnetron

Summary form only given. The magnetron is intrinsically a 3D problem. 3D simulation is required to obtain the correct electromagnetic fields and realistically model power extraction, for example. We have used the 3D PIC code QUICKSILVER to perform a simulation study of the Palevsky/Bekefi A6 magnetron experiments. The latter serve as somewhat of a benchmark for modeling this complicated tube. We discuss the results of this study, which are consistent with experimental observations. The simulations reveal details of phenomena that are not directly observable in experiments, such as efficiency loss due to current leakage along magnetic field lines and self insulation effects. Techniques for solving these problems are presented. Results of this study suggest that a different tube configuration may be necessary to obtain high efficiency from a relativistic magnetron.