What determines the power output of a magnetron?

The power output of a magnetron is fundamentally determined by the feed voltage to the anode. A magnetron generates microwave energy by using an electron cloud created by the heated cathode. When a voltage is applied to the anode, it influences the electric field within the device, which in turn affects how the electrons travel and interact with the resonant cavities inside the magnetron. The higher the feed voltage, the more energy is available for converting electron motion into microwave power, leading to an increase in the output power.

In practical terms, this means that adjusting the feed voltage directly impacts the maximum possible power that the magnetron can produce. An increase in voltage can enhance the oscillation of microwave energy, leading to a higher power output. Conversely, lower anode voltage can reduce the operational efficiency and output power.