Abstract

A new type of plasma cathode has been developed for use in e-beam-pumped lasers, based on an array of intense crossed-field discharges, with electron extraction in the magnetic field direction. The transient discharge is struck between cylindrical or planar electrodes parallel to the magnetic field, following a release of gas in the interelectrode space. A gradient of gas density exists between the discharge region (10^-1—10^-2 torr) and the cathode front surface (10^-4 torr) where electrons enter the acceleration gap.

© 1992 Optical Society of America