Stability of a high order mode CARM amplifier

A TE/sub 01/-mode CARM (cyclotron autoresonance maser) amplifier is studied with a multimode particle simulation code with emphasis on the oscillation caused by the TE/sub 11/ mode absolute instability. Simulation results verify the existence of the absolute instability and show that it quickly reaches a high saturation level. The dominance and persistence of the absolute instability prevent any steady-state amplification of the TE/sub 01/ mode. The linear and nonlinear characteristics of a TE/sub 11/ mode CARM amplifier are also examined. It is noted that a high-quality electron beam is essential in order to reach the interesting regime of operation.<
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