Short pulse high power microwave generation from an axially extracted virtual cathode oscillator

Preliminary experimental results of an axially extracted virtual cathode oscillator (vircator) built on the low impedance pulsed electron beam accelerator AMBICA-600 is reported. The AMBICA-600 pulsed power system mainly comprises of a coaxial waterline charged from single turn Tesla transformer. Waterline has impedance of ~5Ω and generates pulse width of ~60ns. The generated pulsed high power microwave (HPM) emission from axially extracted virtual cathode oscillator has been detected actively as well as passively. The active detection technique utilizes receiving horn antenna, RF cable for signal transport, attenuator and microwave detector diode. The measured duration of HPM pulse (FWHM) varies from 30ns to 50ns on shot-to-shot basis. High power microwave emission of considerable power density has been passively confirmed by the bright glowing of freely standing neon´s and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) placed close to the output window of microwave launching horn. The precise measurement of generated microwave power and radiation frequency band are presently underway.