Diocotron and electromagnetic modes in split-cathode fed relativistic smooth bore and six-vane magnetrons

Abstract

In this article, the diocotron modes developing in a coaxial diode and the resonant magnetron modes forming in a six-vane A6 relativistic magnetron both fed by a split cathode are studied by Particle-in-Cell simulations. The split cathode is a novel type of cathode which sustains a column longitudinally oscillating electrons in a coaxial diode (smooth bore) or a magnetron over a non-emitting axial cathode conductor. The connection between the longitudinal oscillatory dynamics and the diocotron or magnetron mode development, as well as whether the diocotron modes affect the magnetron modes, is investigated.