Forward current propagation beyond the virtual cathode formed by a high injection current

Abstract

A virtual cathode is formed in a cavity, if the injection current from the diode exceeds the critical current. The propagation properties of the forward current beyond the virtual cathode are investigated. It is shown that the forward current increases significantly as the diode gap distance LCA increases, although the injection current from the diode decreases drastically. Experimental data agree well with theoretical results obtained analytically. © 2001 American Institute of Physics.