Generation of a large cross-section electron beam in the vacuum diode with rod current returns

• Published in: Laser and particle beams Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 697 - 702
• Main Authors: Abdullin, E.N., Ivanov, N.G., Losev, V.F., Morozov, A.V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, USA Cambridge University Press 01.12.2013
• Subjects: Cross sections; Diodes; Electrodes; Electron beams; Electron impact; Electrons; Energy; Energy transfer; Foils; Lasers; Magnetic fields; Particle physics; Shields; Stainless steel; Vacuum diode; Rod current returns; Electron beam transportation into gas-filled chamber; Large cross-section electron beam; Magnetic field
• ISSN: 0263-0346; 1469-803X
• DOI: 10.1017/S026303461300075X

The results of the experimental studies of the high-power e-beam accelerator producing six radially convergent electron beams are presented. The studies are aimed to increase the energy of the electron beam transported through the foil into the gas-filled chamber by using the rod-shaped current returns in the diode at small inter-electrode gaps. Installation of these rod current returns shields the periphery regions of the diode from the current field in the central part thus reducing the field at the diode edge. The inter-electrode distance, the shape, and the sizes of the cathodes are chosen by taking into account the magnetic field reduction in the diode. It is shown that in such type of the diode the electrons impact the foil almost normally to its surface, and the electron beams enter the output windows completely. Such type of the diode allows increasing the efficiency of the electron beam energy transfer into the gas by 30%.