A one-dimensional basic oscillator model of the vircator

Abstract

A one-dimensional model of the virtual cathode oscillator (vircator) is proposed keeping only the essential physical processes. The basic model consists of a radiating charge in an oscillating electric field. Using parameters from (realistic) particle-in-cell simulations such as the charge Q and amplitude E1 of the oscillating electric field, the model correctly predicts the amplitude of virtual cathode oscillation and the power radiated. The basic model is then extended to incorporate beam-cavity interaction and the resonance effect. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.