Observation of chaotic dynamics in a powerful backward-wave oscillator

Self-modulation regimes of generation in a powerful 10-micros X-band backward-wave oscillator were studied theoretically and experimentally. The sequence of the self-modulation patterns and corresponding bifurcation values observed as the current was increased were in good agreement with the results of simulations. It was found that at a current of 120 A chaotic self-modulation set in at a power of 2 MW and a relative spectral width of 4%.