Field Formation in the Interaction Space of Gyrotrons

For gyrotron applications in plasma installations, one of the most important factors is the gyrotron efficiency. To maximize the interaction efficiency, it is necessary not only to optimize such operating parameters as the magnetic field, beam voltage, and current but also the axial profile of the electromagnetic (EM) field in the interaction space. The present paper describes a study of the effect of the profile of an irregular waveguide serving as a resonator on the axial structure of the EM field. Specific attention is paid to the profile of the uptaper connecting the regular part of a resonator to the output waveguide. Conditions of applicability of the nonuniform string equation, which is widely used in gyrotron designs for finding the axial structure of the EM field, are discussed. Also discussed are the occurrence of reflections from a smooth uptaper and the analogy between the nonuniform string equation and the stationary Schrodinger equation.