Relativistic backward wave oscillator with multijet electron beam

The influence of the multijet structure of an annular electron beam on the operation of a high-current relativistic backward wave oscillator (BWO) has been experimentally studied. Multijet annular electron beams were generated using graphite explosive-emission cathodes shaped as tubes with comb-shaped ridges. It is established that the BWO working characteristics are highly stable with respect to the multijet beam structure. Potential possibilities of using multijet electron beams in BWOs are pointed out.