Recent advances in cold cathode technology as applied to high power lasers

Advances in cold cathode electron guns for laser application have continued over the last few years. Specific design and performance data will be discussed for several recently constructed systems. These include a large area (12 m²) grid controlled gun for CO2 lasers, high current density guns for KrF lasers, and a 100 Hz triode gun for a CO2 laser. Preliminary results on an extension of this technology to a new two electrode cathode geometry will also be discussed. Issues to be addressed include the stability of electron emission and power supply drive requirements.