Controlling feed electron flow in MITL-driven radiographic diodes

The electrons flowing in a coaxial magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL), if allowed to flow uncontrolled into a radiographic electron diode load, can have an adverse impact on the performance of the system. Total radiation dose, impedance lifetime, and spot quality (size, shape, position, and stability) can all be affected. Current approaches to deal with this problem require a large volume in the vicinity of the electron diode load. For applications where this volume is not available, an alternate method of controlling the feed electrons is needed. In this paper, we will investigate various ideas for dealing with this issue and present results showing the properties of the various schemes investigated.