Plasma Cathode for E-Beam Lasers

Abstract

The objective of this program is to develop a new type of plasma cathode electron gun and demonstrate that it has properties suitable for operation with E-beam lasers. This device employs a plasma generated within a low-voltage hollow cathode discharge rather than a thermionic emitter as the source of electrons. Electrons extracted from the plasma pass through a triode- type control grid structure and are accelerated to high energies in a plasma- free region prior to emerging from the gun through a thin foil window. The device is characterized by ruggedness, low cost, low power consumption, and fast response in comparison to thermionic cathode E-guns.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0764079

Entities

People

  • John R. Bayless

Organizations

  • HRL Laboratories

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Assembly
  • Construction
  • Electric Discharges
  • Electron Beams
  • Electron Emission
  • Electron Energy
  • Electron Guns
  • Electrons
  • Emission
  • Emitters
  • Fabrication
  • Gas Discharges
  • Glow Discharges
  • Life Tests
  • Low Voltage
  • Measurement
  • Test And Evaluation

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics