Title :
A low-frequency crossed-field amplifier for experimental investigations of electron-radio frequency wave interactions
Author :
Browning, Jim ; Chan, Chung ; Ye, John Z. ; Ruden, Thomas E.
Author_Institution :
Center for Electromagn. Res., Northeastern Univ., Boston, MA, USA
fDate :
8/1/1991 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A low-frequency (100-200 MHz) crossed-field amplifier has been designed and constructed for the purpose of studying electron-radio frequency wave interactions. The device has been designed to allow in situ diagnostic probe measurements of the interaction region during the amplification process. Details of the design and operating parameters in the beam-injected mode are described. A maximum gain of 7 dB for a circuit of short electrical length (six slow wave wavelengths) has been obtained. Measurements of the local radio-frequency field during amplification, of the electron density profile, and of the electron plasma current-voltage characteristics in the interaction region demonstrate the use of probes to diagnose the electron plasma in a crossed-field amplifier configuration. These experiments will provide a basis for investigations of noise generation and nonlinear interactions in the more complex emitting-sole, reentrant crossed-field amplifier
Keywords :
electron-wave tubes; plasma diagnostic techniques; radiofrequency amplifiers; 100 to 200 MHz; amplification; electrical length; electron density profile; electron plasma current-voltage characteristics; electron-radio frequency wave interactions; emitting-sole; gain; in situ diagnostic probe measurements; local radio-frequency field; low-frequency crossed-field amplifier; noise generation; nonlinear interactions; reentrant; slow wave wavelengths; Electrons; Frequency; Gain; Plasma density; Plasma diagnostics; Plasma measurements; Plasma properties; Plasma waves; Probes; Wavelength measurement;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
