Dynamics of highly energetic electrons in novel accelerating diodes

Crampsey, Ben and MacInnes, Philip and Ronald, Kevin and Phelps, Alan D. R. (2020) Dynamics of highly energetic electrons in novel accelerating diodes. In: 47th IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science, 2020-12-06 - 2020-12-10, Virtual.

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Abstract

We present initial predictions from the investigation of a novel, short-pulse (~200ns), space-charge-limited-emission electron accelerating diode, or electron-gun, that operates purely under the influence of its own self-fields – i.e. without the requirement for externally applied magnetic insulation of the propagating electron beam. The optimised model, developed using CST Studio Suite, predicted a ~500keV, ~1.86kA electron beam, with a mean envelope-radius of 16.8mm propagating into a 18mm radius drift-tube. The beam was very slightly convergent at the entry to the drift-region with a convergence angle of 1.50 (0.026rad). A key consideration, in developing the electron gun, was the potential for vacuum-arcing, due to excessive electric field stresses. The pulsed nature of the gun aids in mitigating some of that risk, however to reduce it further, the maximum field-stress considered “safe” was taken to be ~40MV/m (double the typical Kilpatrick DC limit of 20MV/m). In the optimized model the peak stress was ~35MV/m, falling acceptably within the bounds set. The electron gun is currently being manufactured for experimental testing, where it will then be used as the particle accelerator driving a novel, self-insulating, high-power microwave source.