The effect of an external signal on output microwave power of a low-voltage vircator

This Letter is devoted to results of the both experimental and theoretical studies of electromagnetic radiation output power gain in the low-voltage microwave generator with a virtual cathode (vircator) under an external harmonic signal leading to the preliminary velocity modulation of the electron beam. The simple theoretical model of the electron beam with virtual cathode in a diode gap with retarding field under the external signal has been developed. The theoretical and numerical analysis have shown the possibility of power amplification in the vircator under the external influence. Obtained results of the theoretical consideration are proven by the experimental study.