Hollow cathode vacuum arc plasma electron source for the generation of a high-current DC electron beam. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Jianping; Tian, Xiubo; Gong, Chunzhi; Li, Chunwei; Yang, Chuang
• Is Part Of: Vacuum. Volume 134(2016)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Vacuum arc -- Hollow cathode -- Electron emission -- Plasma electron source -- High energy electron; Vacuum -- Periodicals; 621.55
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2016.09.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-207X

Abstract

Abstract: This article presents the principle of operation, design, and performance data of a hollow cathode vacuum arc plasma electron source. The required electric strength of the accelerating gap can be ensured by generating a longitudinal magnetic field in the electron extraction region. This method is used to generate a high current DC electron beam. The effect of the magnetic field on the discharge and the emission characteristics of the plasma electron source are observed. With extraction voltages up to 700 V, and a magnetic field as high as 100 mT, we demonstrate a DC emission current of roughly 9 A. The hollow cathode vacuum arc plasma electron source exhibits emission characteristics characterized by three different stages: a rapid increase stage in which high-energy electrons are extracted; a slow increase stage in which a small number of high-energy electrons and a large amount of low-energy electrons are extracted together; and a stable stage. Highlights: A hollow cathode vacuum arc plasma electron source is proposed. The electron source exhibits high DC current and a low working pressure. An applied longitudinal magnetic field improves stability at low pressure. The arc plasma electron source exhibits three different stages of emission.