Analysis of the formation of structures and chaotic dynamics in a nonrelativistic electron beam with a virtual cathode in the presence of a decelerating field

A nonrelativistic electron beam with a virtual cathode situated in the diode gap with a decelerating field is experimentally and theoretically studied. A 1D model of the electron beam in the presence of a decelerating field is constructed. Nonlinear nonstationary processes in this system are investigated by means of numerical analysis of the model. The processes are described and interpreted with regard to formation and interaction of structures in the electron flow. The theoretical results are qualitatively confirmed by the experimental data showing that the system under study can be considered as a promising controlled source of chaotic oscillations in the microwave range.