Effects of a low work function cathode on electron beam generation in a hollow cathode discharge
- Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (United States). Dept. of Electrical Engineering-Electrophysics
Recent simulations reveal that a large contribution to the formation of the hollow cathode discharge comes from secondary electron emission due to ion bombardment of the hollow cathode surface. The simulations suggest that a decrease in work function of the hollow cathode surface will lead to enhanced plasma formation during the initial and latter phases of the discharge. The use of this enhanced plasma to more efficiently generate beams (both ion and electron) was studied. A pulsed hollow cathode discharge was constructed using low work function dispenser cathode material as the hollow cathode. The electron beam characteristics of the discharge were investigated. Other hollow cathodes constructed with various materials (molybdenum, copper) were constructed and the results will be compared. Applications of the new source are discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 42994
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-940604--; ISBN 0-7803-2006-9
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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