Limiting current leakage from a relativistic magnetron

Techniques proposed to limit the current leakage from relativistic magnetrons are discussed, and first test results for the device described by Didenko et al. (1979) are reported. The current at the ends of the magnetron is measured by a Rogowski loop when either a standard metal drift chamber or a dielectric drift chamber is mounted to the anode. A diagram of the device and a graph of the results obtained using diode voltage 1 MV (maximum power 2 GW) are shown. The end current is reduced from 40-50 percent to 20-25 percent of the total current when the dielectric drift chamber is used, corresponding to a 20-percent increase in output power. This effect is attributed to the creation of a deep potential well at the entrance of the dielectric chamber.