8.1: Nonlinear characteristics of transverse interaction in sheet beam amplifiers

We model the interaction between a planar electron beam and the transverse electromagnetic fields in a slow-wave structure. We summarize the linear theory of the coupled equations, including the space charge of the beam, and apply this to obtain the basic characteristics of the transverse interaction mechanism. We present results also using a non-linear theory, based on a number of simplifying assumptions that allow for closed form solutions to be obtained. A number of insights into the characteristics of the interaction close to saturation are presented.