Generation of high-power-density electron beams by a forevacuum-pressure plasma-cathode electron source

Abstract

We report on our work directed towards increasing the power density of the focused electron beam produced by a forevacuum-pressure plasma-cathode electron beam source at a pressure of 10–30 Pa. We have optimized the geometry of the plasma discharge system, emission channel and acceleration gap, and simultaneously increased the beam acceleration voltage. The beam power density achieved was 106 W cm−2, an order of magnitude greater than that typical of forevacuum plasma electron sources, and is quite sufficient to allow the use of these beams for the treatment of high-temperature bulk dielectrics.