Nonlinear theory of a plasma microwave oscillator using cable waves

The nonstationary problem of excitation of a plasma microwave oscillator of a finite length driven by a pulsed relativistic beam is analyzed. Both analytic and numerical techniques have been used in studying the oscillator dynamics at given beam parameters (configuration, electron energy, and current pulse), with different plasma configurations, and at various lengths of the system. Oscillator characteristics such as the output power, efficiency, and output spectrum have been determined at parameters close to real experimental values. Conditions of optimal oscillator operation have been determined. Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 111, 1258–1273 (April 1997)