Nonlinear dynamics and bifurcation mechanisms in intense electron beam with virtual cathode

In this paper we report on the results of investigations of nonlinear dynamics and bifurcation mechanisms in intense electron beam with virtual cathode in micrometer-scaled source of sub-THz electromagnetic radiation. The numerical analysis is provided by means of 3D electromagnetic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation. We have studied evolution of the system dynamics with the change of beam current value by means of Fourier and bifurcation analysis. The bifurcation diagram has identified a number of the alternating regions of beam current with regular or chaotic regimes of system dynamics. The study of spatiotemporal dynamics of formed electron structures in the beam has revealed the physical mechanisms responsible for the regimes switchings in the system.