Harmonic Generation in Multipactor Discharges

Multipactor, a sustained electron avalanche driven by radiofrequency (RF), has been extensively studied due to its importance in all RF vacuum electronic devices. In particular, much effort has been made in understanding the phenomenon to mitigate it in real systems. On the other hand, some have used what is often seen as a disastrous effect for benefit. In this article, we study a novel way of using multipactor discharges for harmonic generation. We take advantage of the intrinsic phase-focusing mechanism of multipactor as a natural charge-bunching mechanism. The theory along with some validating test cases will be presented. Potential (beneficial) applications and ramifications of this phenomenon will be briefly discussed.