Cyclotron-resonance-maser arrays

The cyclotron-resonance-maser (CRM) array is a radiation source which consi sts of CRM elements coupled together under a common magnetic field. Each CR M-element employs a low-energy electron-beam which performs a cyclotron int eraction with the local electromagnetic wave. These waves can be coupled to gether among the CRM elements, hence the interaction is coherently synchron ized in the entire array. The implementation of the CRM-array approach may alleviate several technological difficulties which impede the development o f single-beam gyro-devices. Furthermore, it proposes new features, such as the phased-array antenna incorporated in the CRM-array itself. The CRM-arra y studies may lead to the development of compact, high-power radiation sour ces operating at low voltages. This paper introduces new conceptual schemes of CRM-arrays, and presents the progress in related theoretical and experi mental studies in our laboratory. These include a multimode analysis of a C RM-array, and a first operation of this device with five carbon-fiber catho des.