Instability in Hollow and Strip Electron Beams

Abstract

A thin strip or hollow electron beam drifting in a magnetic field directed parallel to the direction of motion is in an unstable condition. As a result of initial nonuniformities the beam breaks up into a series of ``spiral nebulae.'' This paper is written to describe some experimental observations which are of help in understanding the phenomenon, and to show that it can be applied to give useful amplification.