Beam Characteristics of Mechanically Tunable Magnetron Injection Guns

Gyrotron has received extensive attention owing to its high-power capability, particularly when the wavelength shrinks below the millimeter-wave range. The electron beam of a gyrotron is typically generated by a magnetron injection gun (MIG), and a mechanically tunable MIG is employed to enhance the beam quality. However, a slight adjustment in the position of the center electrode of the mechanically tunable MIG can cause significant modification of the electric-field profile. Consequently, the cathode current of the mechanically tunable MIG is not only dependent on the cathode temperature, but also the relative position of center electrode. To accurately determine the beam characteristics of the mechanically tunable MIG, an improved computer program is employed to simulate electron trajectories. Simulation and measurement results indicate that although the magnetic field and compression ratio do not influence the beam current of the mechanically tunable MIG, but the beam current of the MIG depends on the cathode temperature and relative position of the center electrode. Finally, an improved mechanically tunable MIG design is developed to enhanced an beam quality while minimizing beam current variation.