NSF Award
9022087
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.
