Initial experimental results from a relativistic magnetron driven by transparent cathodes

The relativistic magnetron has been studied as a high power microwave source since the 1970´s. Its most salient properties are its simplicity and its frequency agility. Recently, researchers at the University of New Mexico proposed that a transparent cathode can significantly improve the output characteristics of magnetrons. Since then, a comprehensive study using particle-in-cell simulations has elaborated the many benefits of using this cathode. This talk will enumerate the various benefits of operating a relativistic magnetron using a transparent cathode. In addition, the initial results of experiments at the University of New Mexico on an A6 magnetron driven by a short-pulse Sinus-6 accelerator will be presented. Planned experiments on an A6 magnetron using a longer pulse (50 ns) accelerator at UNM will also be described. Details will also be provided regarding the redesign of the longer pulse accelerator.