Inverted magnetron with amplifying structure and associated systems and methods

In a magnetron of a type that includes a downstream cylindrical waveguide, an improvement comprising, in combination:

• a supporting cylinder;
• a cathode disposed about an inner surface of the supporting cylinder;
• and
• a slow wave structure positioned coaxial with and capacitively coupled to the downstream cylindrical waveguide and including an anode block comprising sixteen radially-projecting angled vane panels, each adjoining pair of which defines therebetween a respective one of sixteen resonant cavities, wherein each of the resonant cavities comprises a resonant channel portion positioned radially proximate to and axially coextensive with a center axis of the anode block, and wherein the anode block is positioned coaxial with, and surrounded by, the cathode and separated therefrom by an inter-boundary void defining an interaction region.

A magnetron for generating electromagnetic waves, comprising:

• a first end of the magnetron defined as an upstream end;
• a second end of the magnetron positioned axially opposite the first end of the magnetron, and defined as a downstream end;
• a breech portion positioned proximate the upstream end of the magnetron, configured to receive pulsed input energy, and including an upstream opening in communication with a first end of a cylindrical annular passage, a flaring annular passage, defining an upstream taper, that includes a narrow end electrically coupled to a second end of the cylindrical annular passage and a wide end electrically coupled to the interaction region, and a cylindrical annular reflector chamber electrically coupled to an outer circumference of the cylindrical annular passage and characterized by a radius positioned perpendicular to a center axis of the cylindrical passage;
• a slow wave structure comprising:
• a first excitation ring,
• a first plurality of connecting rods, and
• an anode block comprising:
• an anode block first end,
• an anode block body,
• an anode block second end, and
• a plurality of vane panels each comprising a vane panel tip, each configured to alternate between positive and negative charges, and each adjoining pair of which defines therebetween a respective resonant cavity, each comprising a respective resonant channel portion positioned radially proximate to and axially coextensive with a center axis of the anode block;
• a field emission cathode surrounding the anode block body and separated therefrom by an inter-boundary void defining an interaction region;
• and
• a waveguide capacitively coupled to the first excitation ring, positioned proximate the downstream end of the magnetron, and configured to shape electromagnetic waves;
• wherein at least a portion of the magnetron is configured to be operable within a magnetic field.