Scaling studies and time-resolved microwave measurements on a relativistic backward-wave oscillator

A relativistic backward-wave oscillator (BWO) operating at a frequency near 8 GHz has been built. The parameters of the 60-ns electron beam driving this microwave source are varied over the ranges 0.8-1.5 MV and 2-10 kA. Several different annular cathodes for launching the electron beam are tried, varying the outer radius and shape. The axial magnetic field guiding the beam through the BWO is varied between 0.6 and 3 T. The power transfer downstream to an output waveguide is investigated as a function of the shape of the transition from the BWO to the waveguide. The scaling of the output power and frequency with these variations is discussed. Time-resolved measurements of 2-ns-long segments of the microwave output are shown. In observations of the microwave signal, it is found that the frequency shifts as the output power envelope passes through a sharp dip. It is proposed that this shift corresponds to a change in the longitudinal operating mode of the BWO.<
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