The magnicon — An advanced version of the gyrocon

Abstract A new VHF generator with circular deflection of a high power relativistic electron beam is described as an outgrowing of the gyrocon proposed by Budker in 1967. The output resonator of the device is placed in a static magnetic field providing synchronous interaction of electrons with the electromagnetic field. An accompanying magnetic field and prolonged time of interaction enable one to achieve higher power within the decimeter and centimeter wave range compared to that of the gyrocon and klystron due to the higher electrical strength of the output resonator, a decreased heat generation and an easier beam guidance. In order to get higher gain and efficiency the magnicon deflection resonator is also placed in a magnetic field (of double magnitude). Test results for a magnicon of 30 cm wave range built at the INP are given. The power obtained is 2.6 MW for a pulse duration of 30 μs with a repetition rate of 1 Hz and an electron efficiency of 85%.