Diode Feedback Effects in Intense Relativistic Electron Beam Oscillators

The general operation of intense relativistic electron beam oscillators is described. These oscillators employ the well-known reflex triode phenomenon to plug the ends of a magnetically confined beam drift region by setting up efficient electron reflexing between the real cathode of an accelerator and a downstream virtual cathode. For a variety of magnetic traps and experimental conditions, it is shown that the inherent electron beam feedback from the drift region can be effectively utilized to reduce the electronion diode impedance and thereby permit good matching and energy transfer between the diode and a sub-ohm particle accelerator. A theoretical model is presented to interpret the observed phenomena.