Experimental study of coherent transition radiation from relativistic electron bunches entering a dihedral angle

The angular distributions of the intensity of transition radiation from a bunch of relativistic electrons entering a dihedral angle between two conducting planes have been measured in a millimeter wavelength range. A microtron with a particle energy of 7.4 MeV is used as a source of electrons. The effect of the particle injection direction and the magnitude of the dihedral angle on the angular distribution of the radiation intensity has been analyzed. The measurements show that the character of the distribution of radiation from a charge entering the dihedral angle significantly differs from that for a charge escaping the angle. A comparatively small change in the magnitude of the dihedral angle can lead to qualitative changes in the angular distribution of radiation from a charge entering the dihedral angle.