High frequency, high power microwave generation with the “Point Pinch Diode”

High-frequency, high-power microwave radiations by a virtual cathode oscillator have been observed with the “Point Pinch Diode” which can produce higher beam density of electrons. The peak power of microwave pulses is typically 350 MW at the frequency region of 20-22 GHz. The radiation frequency increases almost linearly from 22 to 35 GHz with decreasing anode-cathode gap spacing. The mechanism for microwave emission is ascribed to the oscillation of the virtual cathode.