Microwave generation for magnetic fusion energy applications

This progress report encompasses work on three separate projects, all related to developing sources for electron cyclotron resonance heating of magnetic fusion plasmas. The report is therefore divided into three parts as follows: free electron lasers with small period wigglers; theory and modeling of high frequency, high power gyrotron operation; and depressed collectors for energy recovery in gyrotrons. Task A is experimental and eventually aims at developing CW sources for ECRH at frequencies as high as 600 GHz. Task B provides gyrotron theory and modeling in support of the gyrotron development programs at MIT and Varian. Task C was phased out in the current contract year but recent publications are included in this report in order to create a permanent record for the use of future researchers with interest in the topic of increasing gyrotron efficiency through the use of depressed collectors