Matlab® analysis of the DC magnetic fields multipactor suppression model for rectangular waveguides

Satellite-borne rectangular waveguides operate in a high vacuum space environment and also under high RF power. Both these conditions favour the initiation of the multipactor breakdown, a phenomenon that limits greatly the output power of any communication satellite. Multipactor breakdown or multipactor inside RF equipment may be caused by a primary electron accelerated by an electric RF field which hits a target surface causing an avalanche-like increase of electrons due to secondary emission. Various multipactor suppression techniques currently employed include surface treatments (such coating and sputtering) and surface geometry modification. However, surface treatment tends to degrade with time and surface geometry modification can be a complex operation. To complement the limitations of the suppression techniques stated, the use of a DC magnetic field is proposed. The paper investigates via a mathematical model the possibility of using a DC magnetic field to effect suppression of multipaction in a rectangular waveguide. The results of analysis and simulations of the model using MATLAB^® suggests that a small magnitude DC magnetic field perpendicular to the electric field and in the wave propagation direction is effective in reducing multipaction.