Article
Article
Magnetron
Article By:
Collier, R. J. Bell Telephone Laboratories, Murray Hill, New Jersey.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.400400
The oldest of a family of crossed-field microwave electron tubes wherein electrons, generated from a heated cathode, move under the combined force of a radial electric field and an axial magnetic field. By its structure a magnetron causes moving electrons to interact synchronously with traveling-wave components of a microwave standing-wave pattern in such a manner that electron potential energy is converted to microwave energy with high efficiency. Magnetrons have been used since the 1940s as pulsed microwave radiation sources for radar tracking. Because of their compactness and the high efficiency with which they can emit short bursts of megawatt peak output power, they have proved excellent for installation in aircraft as well as in ground radar stations. In continuous operation, a magnetron can produce a kilowatt of microwave power, which is appropriate for rapid microwave cooking.
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