Theory of the rippled field magnetron

Abstract

The rippled field magnetron, a device for the generation of high‐power, short‐wavelength electromagnetic radiation, is studied theoretically. This device features smooth conducting coaxial anode and cathode electrodes, an axial insulating magnetic field, and a periodic azimuthal transverse wiggler magnetic field. The analysis treats the equilibrium in the fluid limit, including self‐fields, and is fully self‐consistent. Unstable coupling and growth of the positive energy (transverse electric TE) and negative energy (transverse magnetic TM) waves is demonstrated.