An optimized design for an X-band high power relativistic diffraction output A8 magnetron

Results of Particle in Cell simulations of an optimized design of a diffraction output relativistic A8 magnetron operating as a high power microwave (HPM) source in X-band (8.77 GHz) are presented. In addition to the very high efficiency of ∼80%, this design reveals a unique property, that is, for magnetic fields significantly exceeding the Hull cutoff condition, a quasiperiodic train of HPM pulses appears with instantaneous peak power above the steady state input power amplitude. This phenomenon is described, analyzed, and explained.