Reflex triode with virtual cathode and emitter based on magnetically confined discharge

A new reflex triode with virtual cathode (VC) was developed and experimentally studied, in which surface discharge along a ferroelectric is used as the source of electrons and loop antennas are used for extracting the radiation. The electrode system in the proposed device is designed so that magnetic forces of the discharge would confine the plasma to the dielectric surface. This system provides for a ∼20-fold increase in the generation time as compared to that achieved in prior designs. The new reflex triode generates wideband RF pulses in a range of frequencies from 20–230 MHz at a power of about 140 W.