Generation and transportation of low-energy, high-current electron beams

Experimental data on the production of low-energy, high-current electron beams in a plasma-filled diode are presented. The highest beam energy density achieved is ≃ 40 J /cm², which makes it possible to treat materials in the mode of intense evaporation of the surface layer. It has been shown that the use of a hollow cathode permits of improved beam homogeneity. The feasibility of the production of low-energy high-current electron beams in a gun with plasma anode based on the use of reflective discharge has been demonstrated.