The recent results on formation and transportation of low-energy., high-current electron beams

The recent results on formation and transportation of low-energy, high-current electron beams in a gun with plasma anode based on high-current reflected discharge are presented. It is shown that beam pulse duration and efficiency of its production are defined, first of all, by the radial breakdown process (current losses) provoked by appearance of the virtual cathode in drift channel. It is found that beam current exceeds both critical Pierce value with account of superfluous plasma presence and chaotic electron current of the anode plasma. It has been also shown the possibility of reliable operation of electron gun under oil-free vacuum conditions.