Effect of electron-beam momentum spread on cyclotron resonance maser operation at two resonant frequencies

We present a theoretical analysis of cyclotron resonance maser (CRM) operation at two resonant frequencies including the effects of momentum spread in the electron beam. A linear analysis of the system equations is presented in the limit of small momentum spreads. Numerical solutions to the system equations are also given and are in agreement with the linear theory. The results predict that for realistic momentum spreads, operation of the CRM at the higher of the two resonant frequencies should be possible, extending its operating frequency range. An experiment currently under development at Strathclyde University is described and modeled numerically.