Anode discharge to facilitate cathode plasma formation for generation of H−, C−, F−, I− and Pb− ions

Experimental studies of cathode plasma formation to generate high-power negative ion beams of varions elements in a coaxial magnetically insulated pulsed diode are presented. The vacuum spark discharge outside the anode was used to facilitate cathode plasma formation with high content of H⁻, C⁻, F⁻, I⁻ and Pb⁻ ions. The main mechanism responsible for cathode plasma formation is cathode bombardment by positive ions accelerated from anode plasma by the main pulse accelerator voltage.