Explosive Electron Emission and the Characteristics of High-Current Electron Flow
Abstract
Within the past several years, an increasing effort has been concentrated on the development of high-current, relativistic electron beams. Initially, this effort had been impeded by limitations in the high-voltage and pulsed-power technology required to develop pulsed, high-power electron accelerators. These technologies have been developed to a level where powers on the order of 10 to the 13th power watts are now available for time durations of approximately 100 nanoseconds. Emphasis has more recently been centered on controlling and concentrating these beams. The initial behavior of the beam within the diode region of the accelerator becomes an extremely critical element. The high-current, cold-cathode diode which is distinguished by non- self-convergent electron flow has been studied to define operative electron emission mechanisms, to determine the dominant plasma phenomena within the interelectrode volume, to classify the modes of electron flow, and to verify the Friedlander beam convergence criterion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0775992
Entities
People
- Robert K. Parker
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory