Extraction of superthermal electrons in a high current, low emittance, steady state electron gun with a plasma cathode

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1996 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.116414· OSTI ID:277180

Hershcovitch, A ^[1]

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1. AGS Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973-5000 (United States)

Major limitations of plasma cathodes have been overcome in an electron gun based on extraction of superthermal electrons from a discharge characterized by a large component of high energy electrons with a low thermal spread. A grid is employed to select these electrons for extraction while retaining the bulk electrons in the discharge. Steady state extraction of electron beams corresponding to over 60{percent} of the total arc discharge current has been observed. This extracted electron current far exceeds the thermal electron flux. A perveance of over 280 microperv was reached with the extraction of 9 A at 1 keV from a 6 mm aperture. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}

• OSTI ID: 277180
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 68, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1996
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
66 PHYSICS
ELECTRON SOURCES
DESIGN
BEAM EXTRACTION
CATHODES
ELECTRON GUNS
PLASMA
PLASMA DEVICES