Phase-locking of multiple relativistic magnetrons

Summary Form only given, as follows. The authors are developing the technique of phase-locking high-power relativistic magnetrons to obtain very high-power microwave pulses (tens to hundreds of gigawatts at several gigahertz). In experiments conducted with two magnetrons connected by a waveguide bridge, phase-locking occurred within approximately=5 ns and was maintained for the duration of the microwave pulse. Peak power was 3 GW at 2.8 GHz ( pi mode operation of the magnetrons). A theoretical model based on the van der Pol equation predicts a 180 degrees phase difference between magnetrons, as observed in the experiment. The experimental and theoretical techniques developed in the two-magnetron experiment are being used to design a seven-magnetron module, energized by a single pulsed-power driver. The interconnection scheme will be flexible, allowing several different geometries to be tested. Issues relevant to arrays of multiple modules are also being studied.<>