Application of a numerical method for solving the electrodynamic problem of the gas discharge magnetron

The gas-discharge magnetron is a cylindrical diode immersed in a constant uniform magnetic field parallel to its axis. The breakdown of the gas discharge is made possible by the magnetic field which enlarges the path of the electrons, bending their trajectories. This paper develops a numerical method for calculating the radial distribution of electric field, electron concentration and potential in the case of a fixed electron concentration at the cathode and for determining the boundaries of the ionization-free area. Results are discussed in relation to current jumps and the excitation of instabilities.