Saturated behavior of the gyrotron backward-wave oscillator

Physical processes in the gyrotron backward-wave oscillator (gyro-BWO) are investigated theoretically. Results indicate highly current-sensitive field profiles and hence sharply contrasting linear and saturated behaviors. The linear field extends over the entire structure length, whereas the saturat ed profile depends strongly on the energetics in the internal feedback loop . It is shown that this distinctive feature substantially influences the ba sic properties of the gyro-BWO including the start-oscillation current, eff iciency, power scaling, and stability of tuning.