CESIUM VAPOR CATHODE STUDY
Abstract
Experimental and theoretical studies have been initiated on cesium plasma guns with the objective of obtaining beam-current densities of 100 A/sq cm. Problems of beam acceleration, cesiumvapor recirculation and RF breakdown are also considered. Two plasma guns were designed to yield beams of 100 A/sq cm density. In the first of these, ions are produced by contact ionization of cesium at a hot carbon surface opposite an L-cathode. Electrons from the cathode are converged and pass through an aperture in the ion emitter. In the second gun, ions and electrons are produced at the inner surface of a hollow tantalum cathode; the electrons are thermionically emitted from it and ions are obtained by contact ionization of cesium. Electrons are extracted from the hollow cathode through a small aperture. A third tube was designed utilizing a cathode similar to that used in the second tube. The third tube has means for (1) beam acceleration to several kilovolts, (2) cesium recirculation, and (3) beam analysis. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 14, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0291618
Entities
People
- A.l. Eichenbaum
- F. Norman
Organizations
- Sarnoff Corporation