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

Abstract

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 1011 A/s, a current density above 10 kA/cm2, and an amplitude about 1.5–2 times the characteristic Alfven current.