Non-synchronous multipacting

Electron multipacting has been of interest to designers and users of electron devices chiefly as an unwanted side effect. This mechanism, however, also affords a relatively simple cold cathode mechanism for the generation of radio frequency power. The performance of coaxial tubes consisting of a fairly open anode structure surrounded by a cylindrical dynode has been studied. A maximum output power of 250 watts was obtained at 10 MHz with efficiencies ranging from 50 to 80%. Output power is limited at higher frequencies due to limited dissipation in the smaller structures required.