Computer simulation of the backward-wave distributed-emission crossed-field amplifier

A computer simulation of the backward-wave distributed emission crossed-field amplifier has been achieved with a developmental two-dimensional time-dependent calculation. The model simultaneously treats the entire re-entrant electron stream, the vane RF circuit, the secondary-emitting cathode and the modulator. There is reasonable quantitative agreement with the measured magnetic field, anode voltage, current and RF power. An anomalous low-power mode, unexpected before these simulations, shows an irregular beam that is a possible cause of the low efficiency and the high cathode backbombardment that were measured.