Nonlinear interactions between electrons and RF waves in crossed electric and magnetic fields

• Published in: IEEE transactions on plasma science Vol. 20; no. 6; pp. 659 - 662
• Main Authors: Chan, C., Ye, J.Z.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01-12-1992; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Subjects: Astronomy; Charge carrier processes; Earth, ocean, space; Electron beams; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental aspects of astrophysics; Fundamental astronomy and astrophysics. Instrumentation, techniques, and astronomical observations; Laboratories; Magnetic fields; Magnetohydrodynamics and plasmas; Plasma applications; Plasma density; Plasma properties; Radio frequency; Radiofrequency amplifiers; Space exploration; Electron beam; Guided wave; Laboratory study; Plasma; Radio wave; Particle wave interaction
• ISSN: 0093-3813; 1939-9375
• DOI: 10.1109/27.199509

A laboratory experiment has been initiated to study nonlinear electron-wave interactions. In this experiment, the interaction between a guided RF wave and an electron beam is investigated using a large crossed field amplifier. The electron beam is injected through externally imposed crossed electric and magnetic fields. The large-amplitude RF wave is guided by a serpentine slow wave structure and travels at a phase velocity approximately equal to the average velocity of the electron beam. The formation of long-wavelength density structures has been proposed to affect the emission characteristics of the RF wave itself. Possible applications of the experiment in space plasmas are discussed.< >