Ionization mechanism of beam plasma generated by an electron beam in medium vacuum

Abstract

We present the results of the measurements of the ionic composition of plasma generated by an accelerated electron beam at medium vacuum (fore-vacuum) pressures. Calculations of the contribution of plasma electrons and beam electrons to the mechanism of ionization are presented. Comparison of the calculated with the experimental data led us to the conclusion about the dominating contribution of beam electrons and to the ionization process. Keywords: beam plasma, fore-vacuum, electron beam, plasma-cathode electron source.