Developing Physical Principles of Diffraction Electronics

A review of results on a new branch of microwave electronics named diffraction electronics is given. Excitation of diffraction radiation (DR) as well as generation and amplification of electromagnetic waves by an electron flow in open electrodynamic structures with a diffraction grating is considered. Results of investigations into the fine structure of DR (Smith-Purcell radiation) and into physical processes of electron flow energy conversion in diffraction radiation oscillators (DRO) in continuous, pulsed, reflected, and other modes of excitation are discussed. A comparative analysis of the advances in diffraction electronics in Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and other countries is given.