Approaches to the generation of hundred megampere, short pulse electron beams

Calculations of breakeven pellets imply the need for electron beams with total current of the order of 10⁸ Amperes, voltages of a few megavolts and durations of about 10 nsec. The rate of increase of current far exceeds what has been achieved in existing accelerator tubes when driving small radius loads. The problem is in reducing the inductance of the accelerator tube and the surrounding dielectric. Several approaches are explored which are compatible with the use of electrostatically charged pulse generator circuits like those in common use. The technology improvements or developments necessary to achieve breakeven in systems with one or two beams are described.