Prediction of Multipactor Breakdown for Multicarrier Applications: The Quasi-Stationary Method

A new prediction algorithm for multipactor breakdown determination in multicarrier signals is presented. This new algorithm assumes a quasi-stationary (QS) model based on the nonstationary theory for single-carrier signals. It determines the worst case, i.e., the combination of signal phases that yields the lowest breakdown level per carrier, using multipactor electron growth models. It considers the secondary emission yield properties of the material and the time-varying value of the multicarrier signal envelope.