Interaction between a module cluster and a plasma in a magnetic field

The contract concerned the construction and improvement of an experiment of interaction between an electron cluster and a magnetized plasma with the goal of testing the use of a modulated electron cluster as an emission antenna. The project falls within the framework of previous studies dealing with a theoretical evaluation of the output of such an antenna. It has become apparent, in fact, that the power radiated by the cluster, such as it can be calculated in a linear regime, is too great for the result to be physically credible. In addition to verification of the excitation principle, the experiment must provide elements on the saturation mechanism. The saturation will finally establish the maximum value of the radiated power. A decision on continuing the EPITRE project will depend on these experimental studies. The casing experiment will make it possible to specify the parameters of an experiment on a rocket or satellite, and facilitate its analysis. The construction phase of the casing and the electron cannon as well as their implantation was completed. What remains to produce is a plasma in the casing and to study there the modulated magnetized plasma-cluster interaction.