Long-pulse electron gun for laser applications

Jon Bayless; Craig P. Burkhart

doi:10.1117/12.43616

1 April 1991 Long-pulse electron gun for laser applications

Jon Bayless, Craig P. Burkhart

Proceedings Volume 1411, Pulse Power for Lasers III; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.43616
Event: Optics, Electro-Optics, and Laser Applications in Science and Engineering, 1991, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Large-area electron guns are critical components in many high-energy gas laser systems. The secondary emission electron (SEE) gun offers an attractive option for pulsed laser applications. With this type of cold cathode gun, a dc voltage is applied to the cathode and the electron beam is generated by secondary emission due to ion bombardment processes. The gun is controlled by modulating the source of ions which resides at ground potential. This design greatly simplifies the electron gun power system. SEE-gun systems have been developed which provide 150-220 keV beams at current densities exceeding 25 m(Alpha)/cm² with current density uniformities of approximately ± 10% over areas of up to 5x150 cm². Pulse lengths have ranged from 30 microsecond(s) to 20 ms at repetition rates from single-pulse to 30 Hz. It is expected that the SEE-gun can be scaled to beam voltages of greater than 300 kV, beam areas greater than 1 m², peak current densities exceeding 1 (Alpha)/cm², time-averaged current densities >0.5 m(Alpha)/cm², pulse lengths of 0.1 microsecond(s) to dc, and pulse repetition rates >1 kHz with good uniformity, high reliability and long life. Furthermore, the inherent simplicity of the SEE-gun results in low cost and a compact, light-weight system.

Citation Download Citation

Jon Bayless and Craig P. Burkhart "Long-pulse electron gun for laser applications", Proc. SPIE 1411, Pulse Power for Lasers III, (1 April 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.43616

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available