Study of the gyrotron backward wave oscillator

Summary form only given. The gyrotron backward wave oscillator (gyro-BWO) is studied with a particle tracing code which calculates the self-consistent field profile in a weakly non-uniform interaction structure. A mode chart indicates that the number of solutions increases with the length of the interaction region: each corresponding to a different axial profile of the electromagnetic field. Reflections from the tapered ends are shown to result in either enhanced or reduced power levels. Injection locking has been found in a previous experiment to be effective in stabilizing the gyro-BWO operation. Theoretical studies of the injection locking effects are presented and compared with the experiment.