ABSTRACT
The small-angle x-ray scattering method has been applied to study fireballs ejected into the air from molten hot spots in borosilicate glass by localized microwaves [V. Dikhtyar and E. Jerby, Phys. Rev. Lett. 96 045002 (2006)10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.045002]. The fireball's particle size distribution, density, and decay rate in atmospheric pressure were measured. The results show that the fireballs contain particles with a mean size of approximately 50 nm with average number densities on the order of approximately 10(9). Hence, fireballs can be considered as a dusty plasma which consists of an ensemble of charged nanoparticles in the plasma volume. This finding is likened to the ball-lightning phenomenon explained by the formation of an oxidizing particle network liberated by lightning striking the ground [J. Abrahamson and J. Dinniss, Nature (London) 403, 519 (2000)10.1038/35000525].
ABSTRACT
A cyclotron-resonance maser (CRM) is implemented in a periodic quadrupole waveguide. The device oscillates at the fundamental and high harmonics of the cyclotron frequency. This CRM employs a tenuous low-energy electron beam ( approximately 10 keV, 0.2 A). The periodic structure consists of an array of disks along the quadrupole transmission line, hence it combines both azimuthal and axial periodicities. This waveguide responds as a band-pass filter (BPF) with uniformly spaced passbands. The CRM is tuned to operate when the cyclotron harmonic frequencies coincide with the waveguide passbands. Microwave emission is observed at the first passband ( approximately 2.4 GHz), and simultaneously at the second and third harmonics in the corresponding BPF passbands ( approximately 4.9 and approximately 7.4 GHz, respectively). A polarized detector reveals the circular polarization of the em wave inside the tube. The results of this experiment may lead to the development of novel CRM harmonic generators and CRM arrays.
ABSTRACT
A cyclotron-resonance maser (CRM) experiment is performed in a high-gradient magnetic field using a low-energy electron beam ( approximately 10 keV/1 A). The magnetic field exceeds 1.63 T, which corresponds to a 45-GHz cyclotron frequency. The CRM radiation output is observed in much lower frequencies, between 6.6 and 20 GHz only. This discrepancy is explained by the finite penetration depth of the electrons into the growing magnetic field, as in a magnetic mirror. The electrons emit radiation at the local cyclotron frequency in their reflection point from that magnetic mirror; hence, the radiation frequency depends mostly on the initial electron energy. A conceptual reflex gyrotron scheme is proposed in this paper, as a CRM analogue for the known reflex klystron.
ABSTRACT
Oscillator and amplifier cyclotron-resonance-maser (CRM) experiments in a spiral bifilar waveguide are presented in this paper. The slow-wave CRM device employs a low-energy low-current electron beam (2-12 keV, approximately 0.5 A). The pitch angle of the helical waveguide is relatively small; hence, the phase velocity in this waveguide, V(ph) congruent with0.8c (where c is the speed of light), is much faster than the axial velocity of the electrons, V(ez)2%). The wide tunable range of this CRM device due to the nondispersive bifilar helix is discussed.
ABSTRACT
We present a drilling method that is based on the phenomenon of local hot spot generation by near-field microwave radiation. The microwave drill is implemented by a coaxial near-field radiator fed by a conventional microwave source. The near-field radiator induces the microwave energy into a small volume in the drilled material under its surface, and a hot spot evolves in a rapid thermal-runaway process. The center electrode of the coaxial radiator itself is then inserted into the softened material to form the hole. The method is applicable for drilling a variety of nonconductive materials. It does not require fast rotating parts, and its operation makes no dust or noise.