MAGNETIC COMPRESSION OF ELECTRON BEAMS.
Abstract
The problem of compressing an electron beam by magnetic fields was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The feasibility of magnetic compression was established and demonstrated by passing a perveance 0.0000054A/V to the 3/2 power beam, compressed in area by a factor of 1000, through a drift tube 0.014 in. in diameter and 1 in. long, with 95% transmission. The success of the magnetic compression technique rests on the hitherto unsuspected ability of the beam to damp out undulations and smooth out structure. A quantitative explanation of the mechanism, which does not involve electron-electron collisions, is put forward. Three qualitative theories are discussed: (1) a simple semiempirical theory to be used in engineering calculation of the required confining field; (2) a more elaborate theory which is an extension of a statistical theory by Pierce and Walker and is valid for the downstream region where the beam has become featureless; and (3) a nonlinear electron optical theory which describes the electron flow close to the gun. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0671643
Entities
People
- Kurt Amboss
Organizations
- HRL Laboratories