Transient electromagnetic effects in long coaxial inner MITLs*

We are exploring the effects of transient electromagnetic waves on space charge limited emission (SCL) from the cathode in a (meters) long coaxial inner magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL). In a long coaxial inner MITL, uninsulated electrons due to SCL emission short the anode cathode (AK) gap and can generate currents large enough that substantial electromagnetic (EM) waves are generated. These EM waves superimpose with the external fields and can either impede or enhance SCL emission in different parts of the MITL. Understanding these transient effects could help to design such inner MITLs with minimal current loses.