Numerical Simulation of Direct Exitation of the TE₁₁ Mode in a Coaxial Vircator

Abstract

Studies of the concept of direct excitation of the TE₁₁ mode in a coaxial vircator using three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations is presented. The excitation of the TE₁₁ mode is made possible by sectioning the emitting surface of the cathode, thus creating two interacting virtual cathodes. It is shown that the two virtual cathodes formed oscillate in push-pull mode as previously has been described for a planar geometry.