High-Current Electron Gun with a Plasma Anode Based on Reflective Discharge Triggered from the Cathode

A new method to trigger low-pressure (argon at 0.027–0.053 Pa), high-current reflective discharge forming a plasma anode of high-current electron gun was proposed and successfully tested. 2-kA discharge is initiated by electrons emitted from arc plasma sources built-in to copper disc cathode. DC voltage of 150‒311 V, which is much lower than ignition voltage without injected electrons, was applied to the ring anode. The main characteristics of high-current electron gun with proposed scheme of a plasma anode formation have been studied.