Runaway electrons and Generation of high-power subnanosecond electron beams in dense gases

Abstract

Works on the physics of electron runaway in gases, developing a new understanding of formation of runaway electron beams in gas discharge, are reviewed. Results of experiments with atmospheric-pressure gas-filled diodes, in which subnanosecond electron beams with a record current amplitude were obtained, are reported. The properties of volume nanosecond discharge, allowing to obtain such beams, are analyzed.