Particle-in-cell code investigation of magnetic field effect on axial vircator

Vircator can generate GW class microwave power and is the preferred device in certain military application due to its simple structure and lighter weight because no magnet is used; however the low energy efficiency has always been the focus of investigation. In this article we investigate the electron dynamic inside axial vircator when axial magnetic field is involved. Various magnetic field configurations and intensities were tried, and particle trajectory and output power recorded. We found introducing an axial magnetic field decreases the average high power microwave (HPM) output, which is an indication of the radial expansion of the explosively emitted electrons play a significant role in HPM generation.