Vacuum discharge effects in the diodes of high-current electron accelerators

The processes occurring in the diodes of high-current electron accelerators which affect the electron beam structure are discussed. Two types of diodes are analyzed: planar diodes producing large cross-section beams, and magnetically insulated diodes producing cylindrical beams. The effects considered are: the screening effect, the effect of touches, the relay effect, the ring effect, etc. They are entirely associated with the explosive electron emission occurring on the cathode of a high-current diode. Methods which can be employed to eliminate or control some of these effects are described-namely, the application of an additional magnetic field, artificial initiation of emission centers, and employment of metal-dielectric cathodes. Examples of several types of cathode are given