Investigation of the space-time stability of a large cross section electron beam generated by an accelerator with a grid plasma cathode

• Published in: Journal of physics. Conference series 2018-11, Vol.1115 (2), p.22022
• Main Authors: Vorobyov, M S, Kovalsky, S S, Doroshkevich, S Yu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cathodes; Cross-sections; Current density; Density distribution; Electric arcs; Electron beams; Foils; Low pressure; Pulse duration; Stability; Time measurement
• ISSN: 1742-6588; 1742-6596
• DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1115/2/022022

In an electron source with a grid plasma cathode on the basis of a low-pressure arc discharge, a study was made of the spatiotemporal stability of a pulsed-periodic beam of a large cross section (750×150) mm2, outputted into the atmosphere through an outlet foil window. The research was carried out using an automated system that allows real-time measurements with the ability to visualize the data on the computer. This system allows to ensure the accuracy of measurements no worse than ±2% and differs from the known analogues in compactness, reliability and simplicity of design. The use of this system made it possible to investigate the distribution of the current density over the beam cross-section in a wide range of its parameters, such as beam energy, beam current, and beam current pulse duration. A satisfactory agreement between past and present experimental data is shown. The use of this system for measuring the current density distribution along the beam cross section makes it possible to substantially increase the accuracy of the design of the scientific experiment, and, consequently, the speed of debugging and the repeatability of the technological process.