Patent ID: 6525477
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
An optical magnetron generator, comprising:an anode and a collector separated by an anode-collector space; a pair of output terminals operatively coupled to the anode and the collector to provide an electrical power output based on an electric field generated across the anode-collector space; at least one magnet arranged to provide a dc magnetic field within the anode-collector space generally normal to the electric field; a plurality of resonant cavities each having an opening along a surface of the anode which defines the anode-collector space; an input for receiving electromagnetic radiation from an external source and operatively configured to introduce the optical radiation into the anode-cathode space to establish a resonant electromagnetic field within the resonant cavities; and a cathode for introducing electrons into the anode-collector space in proximity to the resonant electromagnetic field, wherein the resonant electromagnetic field accelerates the electrons within the anode-collector space towards the collector onto which at least a portion of the electrons are collected.