Suppression of multipactor breakdown in satellite rectangular waveguides using DC magnetic fields

An important design consideration in a system utilizing hollow waveguides operating at low gas pressures and high RF power level is the prevention or suppression of the multipactor breakdown phenomenon. The paper investigates via a mathematical model the possibility of using a DC magnetic field to effect suppression of multipaction in a rectangular waveguide. The result of analysis and simulations of the model using MS Excel Spreadsheet application suggests that a small magnitude DC magnetic field perpendicular to the electric field and in the wave propagation direction is effective in reducing multipaction.