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Published February 26, 2019 | Submitted
Report Open

Experiments on the Interaction of a Modulated Electron Beam with a Plasma

Boyd, Gary D.

Abstract

New experiments are performed concerning the high frequency interactions of electron beams and plasmas. A modulated (500 Mc and 3000 Mc) electron beam is passed through a uniform plasma region of a mercury arc discharge, after which it is demodulated. Exponentially growing wave amplification along the electron beam is observed for the first time at a modulation frequency equal to the plasma frequency. No constant magnetic fields are used in these experiments. Calculations based on the one dimensional analysis of Bohm and Gross of an electron beam passing through a plasma are made to predict the effects of the random energy of the plasma electrons and collisions. By studying the interaction of a finite diameter beam and a plasma with no thermals or collisions, it is shown that the effect of the finite geometry is to reduce the growth constant. Recent work by Trivelpiece and Gould has pointed out that a plasma column in free space may propagate forward and backward waves at a velocity small compared to the velocity of light. The experimental techniques of passing a modulated electron beam through the plasma, as described above, are applied to observe traveling wave type of interaction with the slow wave mode of propagation in the absence of any magnetic fields. Theory predicting experimental rates of growth is presented. Experimental results in good agreement with theory are presented. In the course of verifying plasma density measurements, the excitation of the dipole resonance of a plasma column is considered. Multiple resonances are observed and discussed.

Additional Information

I sincerely wish to extend my appreciation to Professor Roy W. Gould and Professor Lester M. Field for their continued interest and participation in this research. Their contributions have been most valuable. A great deal of credit for the success of these experiments is attributable to Mr. A. F. Carpenter whose skill and patience in the fabrication of the glass tubes is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are also extended to Mr. Eric Gelin and Mr. Bob Stratton who constructed the experimental equipment. Mrs. Ruth Stratton is thanked for her patience in the preparation of the manuscript. Many fruitful discussions were enjoyed with Dr. A. W. Trivelpiece and Professor D. G. Dow with regard to both experiment and theory. Mr. John F. Asmus is thanked for his assistance with experiments and computations. The contributions of other members of the California Institute of Technology in the education of the author over the past years are too numerous to mention, but are sincerely appreciated. The author was privileged and fortunate to enjoy fellowships from the Francis Cole, General Electric, Schlumberger and Westinghouse Foundations. Their financial assistance is most appreciated.

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August 19, 2023
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