Subnanosecond electron beam in air under atmospheric pressure

摘要

This paper reports on experimental study of subnanosecond e-beam formed in air under atmospheric pressure. An electron beam with amplitude of ～170 A with duration at FWHM ～0.3 ns has been obtained. Based on beam temporal characteristics and discharge spatial characteristics, the critical fields were supposed to be reached at plasma approach to anode. Simultaneously, the sharp high-energy pulse of e-beam current is generated. Of critical importance is cathode type and plasma protrusions occurred on the cathode. It is shown that in order to get maximum e-beam in gas diode, the discharge in gas diode should be volume.