A Multiple Operation High-power Microwave Generator

An electron diode for the high-power microwave generation from an axially extracted virtual cathode oscillator has been constructed and operated successfully for over 700 shots at diode voltages from 200 to 250 kV and diode currents from 4.0 to 7.9 kA. The very different configuration of this diode was the employments of a highly transparent stainless-stell mesh anode. (87%) and a high-density POCO graphite cathode. In addition, a properly designed open cavity was also introduced to enhance the conversion efficiency of electron-beam to microwave power, resulting in the generation of a microwave power of ~ 100 MW at 8.0 - 8.3 Ghz. The optimum distance between anode and the entrance of the open cavity at various diode currents have been investigated and their interesting results are also presented.