Generation of large cross-sectional area electron beams by a fore-vacuum-pressure plasma electron source based on the arc discharge

Abstract

Abstract. We describe formation and propagation of large cross-sectional area electron beams generated by a plasma electron source operating in the fore-vacuum pressure range 1-10 Pa. The current density distribution of the electron beam is strongly dependent on the beam current and the operation gas pressure. The latter could be connected with beam focusing by its self-magnetic field and due to electron beam space-charge neutralization by beam plasma.