Performance of the Antares Large Area Cold Cathode Electron Gun
Abstract
The performance of the electron gun which supplies ionization for the Antares high power electron beam sustained CO2 laser power amplifier is described. This electron gun is a coaxial cylindrical cold cathode vacuum triode having a total electron aperture area of approximately 9 m2. Electrons are extracted from the gun in pulses of 3-6 micro s duration, average current densities of 40-60 mA/cm2, and electron energies of 450-500 keV. The main areas of discussion in this paper are the performance in terms of grid control, current density balance, and current runaway due to breakdown limitations. Comparison of the experimental results with the predictions of a theoretical model for the electron gun will also be presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA638379
Entities
People
- C. R. Mansfield
- L. A. Rosocha
Organizations
- Los Alamos National Laboratory