Development of a Plasma Pinch Photocathode
Abstract
The need in advanced Liniacs is for a high-performance (emittance, current, and life) cathode that will not poison in the only moderately good vacuums of such systems. Our approach embodies the durability of an unsensitized metal photocathode that is illuminated by a high-Z, high-density plasma pinch formed from a liquid-jet source in vacuum. The principal advantage of this pinch over a laser is both its simplicity and its ability to efficiently produce high- power vacuum ultraviolet radiation. The laser-guided gas-embedded pinch vacuum- ultraviolet source has been converted to a liquid-jet configuration in vacuum. This was undertaken for several reasons. First, the necessity of interposed high-density background gas is avoided. Second, a channel-forming guide laser beam is no longer needed. Finally, a wide variety of high-Z low cost substances are available in liquid form. For these reasons the liquid-jet approach makes sense for a rep-rate version of the pinch illuminator. Background gas absorption of hard UV is lessened. A large gas-transport system is not needed. Radiation output may be optimized through selection of the liquid's vapor pressure, surface tension, density, and composition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA203944
Entities
People
- John F. Asmus
Organizations
- University of California, San Diego