Initial operation of an ultra-compact, low voltage Reltron microwave source

Summary form only given, as follows. The paper presents in detail the design and initial operating characteristics of an-ultra-compact, low voltage Reltron source. This device was custom-designed and built by Titan/PSI for the University of New, Mexico. The initial motivation for developing such a source was for use in a graduate pulsed power and plasma science laboratory course. The low voltage and compact nature of the system, packaged in a "turn-key" system, makes it an ideal source for studying the basic operating principles of a Reltron. Whereas the source preserves the fundamental operating characteristics of a Reltron (including the post-acceleration gap) the low voltage driver (on the order of 100 kV) limits the microwave power levels that are generated. We present cold test results of the cavity, pulsed power characteristics of the driver, as well as initial microwave generation studies. We also discuss possible applications of this ultra-compact source.