Experimental Study of Cyclotron-Related Electromagnetic Waves and Their Interaction with Electronic Circuits
Electromagnetic fields generated by systems involving charged-particle motion are important in accelerator physics, microwave engineering, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). A cyclotron accelerates charged particles by the coordinated action of a magnetic field and a radio-frequency (RF) electric field, while accelerated charges and time-varying fields provide a general physical basis for electromagnetic radiation (Lawrence & Livingston, 1932; Wiedemann, 2015). The present study investigates, experimentally, how microwave electromagnetic fields interact with electronic circuits and uses a magnetron-based laboratory source as an accessible experimental model for phenomena related to charged-particle electromagnetics. The apparatus consisted of a high-voltage power-supply/transformer unit, high-voltage capacitor, microwave magnetron, electrical connecting leads, and a metallic enclosure lined internally with aluminium. The electromagnetic response of a mobile phone, digital camera, calculator, radio, and lamp was observed. At an initial source-to-device separation of approximately 30 cm, temporary functional disturbances were observed, and the disturbances generally became more pronounced when the devices were moved closer to the source. Inside the aluminium-lined enclosure, the response was spatially non-uniform: some positions produced stronger disturbances than others. This behaviour is physically consistent with reflection from the conducting enclosure and interference between incident and reflected microwave fields, producing spatial maxima and minima. The mobile phone showed screen instability and temporary touch-response disturbance at some positions, while the radio, calculator, digital camera, and lamp also exhibited abnormal responses. The study interprets these observations through electromagnetic coupling, induced voltage/current, frequency-dependent susceptibility, and spatial field redistribution. Because calibrated measurements of field strength, power density, and exact operating frequency were not performed, the results are reported as qualitative evidence of electromagnetic susceptibility rather than as calibrated failure thresholds. The work provides an experimentally accessible bridge between accelerator-physics concepts, microwave generation, and EMC and offers a basis for future quantitative measurements.