Frequency stabilization of a vircator by use of a slow wave structure

Summary form only given. Experiments are described whose goal is to produce a frequency stable vircator propagating in a TM_0n mode by using a slow wave structure in the waveguide downstream of the anode foil. Via the boundary conditions at the wall of the waveguide, the slow wave structure provides a single frequency for the electromagnetic fields of the electron beam which influence the motion of the virtual cathode. Data are being acquired for a standard vircator configuration in order to provide a baseline for the frequency stabilization experiments. The experimental setup uses a 15-kJ, 1-MV, 25-kA-peak-current Marx bank directly driving a vircator and an 8-in.-diameter waveguide