Microsecond Electron Beam Source with Electron Energy Up to 400 Kev and Plasma Anode

Abstract

A new high-power source of electrons with plasma anode for producing high-current microsecond electron beams with electron energy up to 400 keV has been developed, manufactured, and put in operation. To increase the cross section and pulse current duration of the beam, a multipoint explosive emission cathode is used in the electron beam source, and the beam is formed in an applied external guiding magnetic field. The Marx generator with vacuum insulation is used as a high-voltage source. Electron beams with electron energy up to 300–400 keV, current of 5–15 kA, duration of 1.5–3 μs, energy up to 4 kJ, and cross section up to 150 cm² have been produced. The operating modes of the electron beam source are realized in which the applied voltage is influenced weakly on the current. The possibility of source application for melting of metal surfaces is demonstrated.