Lasing Mechanism of the Orbitron: A Millimeter-Wave Maser Based on a Glow Discharge.

摘要

In this work it was found that the Orbitron microwave generation follows a much stronger generation of RF oscillations close to the ion plasma frequency. This phenomenon is associated with instability of the cathode sheath which causes modulation of the discharge current of almost 100%. These intense RF oscillations are accompanied by short microwave spikes, each emitted at the same phase of the RF period. The microwave radiation has a wide spectrum above the electron plasma frequency. This radiation appears to be due to the transformation of electrostatic plasma waves which were measured inside the plasma and are assumed to be driven by the beam-plasma instability. Both RF and microwave generation do not depend on the anode shape, area, or position. Microwave and RF generation, Glow discharge.