Plasma Electron Gun Feasibility Experiments

第二阶段计划拟完成 科学研究的一个新概念的设计 宽面积（102 - 104 cm 2），高能电子枪。 该等离子体电子（PE）枪使用等离子体， 在冷阴极放电中产生， 电子源。 电子在一个 通过薄金属箔的细光束阵列 窗户，其支撑结构和进入空气， 最小的损失。 结果是一种创新的电子 预计将提供实质性的枪支概念， 与现有设计相比， 电气效率（85%），更高的运行效率 电压（400千伏）和更低的成本（4美元/瓦）。 这些属性对于许多应用来说都是至关重要的。 第一阶段项目成功地展示了 基本可行性的PE枪的概念，使用一个小， 规模，低能耗设备。 第二阶段的目标是 完成PE枪的研究计划， 在高能量下用大面积装置进行实验。 这项工作将包括五项任务， 实验性5 x 20 cm 2，400 kV PE- 电子枪在2.4千瓦的光束功率水平。 成功 第二阶段将为 商用PE枪系统的研制 三.

A Phase II program is proposed to complete the scientific research for a new concept for the design of broad area (102 - 104 cm2), high energy electron guns. This plasma electron (PE) gun uses a plasma, which is generated in a cold cathode discharge, as the source of electrons. The electrons are extracted in an array of beamlets which pass through a thin metal foil window, its support structure and into air with minimum losses. The result is an innovative electron gun concept which is expected to offer substantial benefits relative to existing designs including higher electrical efficiency (85%), higher operating voltages (400 kV) and lower cost ($4/Watt). These attributes are critical for many applications. The Phase I project successfully demonstrated the basic feasibility of the PE-gun concept using a small- scale, low energy device. The Phase II objective is to complete the PE-gun research program by performing experiments with a large-area device at high energy. This effort will consist of five tasks culminating in the operation of an experimental 5 x 20 cm2, 400 kV PE- gun at a beam power level of 2.4 kW. Success in Phase II will provide a firm foundation for the development of commercial PE-gun systems in Phase III.