Study on Microprocess of the breakdown in RBWO

The RF breakdown in relativistic backward-wave oscillator (RBWO) is a kind of plasma discharge phenomenon in RF cavity, which is induced by primary electron produced by cavity wall under the action of strong electromagnetic field. It results in tail erosion of high power microwave (HPM) pulse, which severely limits the power capacity and greatly reduces the reliability of microwave-generated devices. The authors focus on the microscopic development of the breakdown, the movement of emission and the formation and development of plasma were simulated. The influence of the space charge effect of the relativistic electron beams on the breakdown process was discussed. The understanding of this breakdown process was deepened.