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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/N65899/01
Title: NOVEL CONVECTIVE CYLOTRON RESONANT MASER INSTABILITIES
Principal Investigator: Cross, Professor A
Other Investigators:
Ronald, Professor K Phelps, Professor ADR
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Physics
Organisation: University of Strathclyde
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 February 2001 Ends: 31 January 2003 Value (£): 51,949
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Plasmas - Laser & Fusion
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine Communications
Energy No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
In a Cyclotron Resonance Maser, electrons gyrating in a magnetic field interact with electromagnetic radiation such that the radiation is amplified by extracting the electron kinetic energy. We will investigate a novel concept which uses a helical corrugation on the inside surface of a 'cylindrical' waveguide to modify the wave dispersion giving eigenmodes with finite, constant group velocity in the region of near infinite phase velocity. This novel dispersion opens for the first time the potential for a broadband, efficient CRM-amplifier. We have performed preliminary experiments confirming theoretical predictions for this new concept obtaining bandwidths ~20%, efficiencies ~30% with high gains ~10000. We propose to develop an understanding of the stability of such an amplifier against oscillations, determining whether the oscillations result from absolute instabilities or feedback from the output. Using a long pulse thermionic emitter which allows independent control of emission current through the cathode temperature, we will investigate the gain process as a function of beam current. We will modulate the input amplitude whilst varying the beam current and pitch factor to investigate the division between convective amplification and oscillation. The long pulses will enable an accurate comparison between the input and output frequencies of the amplifier.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.strath.ac.uk