Optical magnetron for high efficiency production of optical radiation and related methods of use

An electromagnetic radiation source, comprising:

• an anode comprising:
• a first conductor;
• a second conductor positioned relative to the first conductor;
• a plurality of inter-digitated pole pieces coupled to the first conductor or the second conductor, wherein adjacent pole pieces are separated by a gap;
• at least one mechanical phase reversal positioned along the first conductor or the second conductor, the mechanical phase reversal operable to force a polarity change between pole pieces adjacent to the mechanical phase reversal;
• a cathode separated from the anode by an anode-cathode space;
• electrical contacts for applying a dc voltage between the anode and the cathode and establishing an electric field across the anode-cathode space;
• and
• at least one magnet arranged to provide a dc magnetic field within the anode-cathode space generally normal to the electric field.