Experimental Investigation into the Optimum Position of a Ring Reflector for an Axial Virtual Cathode Oscillator

A ring reflector was experimentally investigated using an axial virtual cathode oscillator (vircator). The installed behind the mesh anode of vircator to enhance microwave power output by forming a resonant cavity and increasing electron beam energy conversion efficiency. optimum position is analyzed through simulations experiments varying distance from 6 mm 24 in 3 steps. PIC show that enhances up 220%. Experiments without 11.22 MW. maximum average peak with 25.82 MW when 18 mm. From experiments, it can be seen yields decaying enhancement inversely proportional there no noticeable after frequency range attained 5.8 6.7 GHz 5.16 GHz, respectively. difference between simulation experimental results due error gap distance. Although slightly changed, seems have influence on generated microwave.