Generation of high-intensity pulsed low-energy electron beams in a channel spark system

摘要

The generation of a high-intensity pulsed beam of low-energy (5-10 keV) electrons in a gun of the channel spark type is considered. It is experimentally established that intense preionization in the transport channel, in combination with a pulsed accelerating voltage applied to the cathode, ensures the generation of pulsed electron beams with a current buildup time above 10(11) A/s, a current density above 10 kA/cm(2), and an amplitude about 1.5-2 times the characteristic Alfven current.