Narrow-band microwave generation from an oscillating virtual cathode in a resonant cavity

Abstract
An experimental approach using a high Q, resonant cavity surrounding an oscillating virtual cathode has achieved frequency stabilization, and repeatable narrow‐band operation of the virtual cathode microwave source. A cylindrical cavity resonator is used with the microwave power being extracted radially through circumferential slot apertures into dominant‐mode L‐band waveguide. The electron‐beam/cavity interaction produces strong feedback between the induced cavity field and the oscillating virtual cathode, forcing it to lock to the resonant frequency of a cavity mode over a large variation in electron beam current. The 3‐dB frequency bandwidth observed during single 100‐ns pulses is less than 1%. The 3‐dB bandwidth appears to be limited by the finite temporal width of the microwave pulse.

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