Investigation of physical processes of the interaction between an electron beam and a diffracted field

The physical processes of the interaction between an electron beam and an electromagnetic field diffracted by a periodic structure are investigated theoretically and experimentally with reference to the operation of a diffraction-radiation generator. Ranges of electromagnetic-energy absorption and amplification by the electron beam are identified; and an analysis is made of the excitation conditions of diffraction radiation and dynamic-parameter variations of an electron beam interacting with a diffracted field. Experimental results are presented for millimeter wavelengths (3.8-5.6 mm).