Abstract:
Apparatus and method are disclosed for launching a high energy beam of charged particles along an axis into a substantially long path region from an exit aperture, in a manner such that the beam remains confined without application of external focusing fields in the region. The apparatus comprises a cathode, which is a source of electrons to compose the beam, and electrode means for producing an axial accelerating electric field to accelerate electrons in the beam to a relativistic velocity in an accelerating space. At relativistic velocity, the beam itself produces a solenoid-shaped magnetic field which undesirably tends to converge the beam when ionized gas molecules neutralize the space charge in the beam. An external magnet means for producing an axial magnetic field in the accelerating space and a radial magnetic field at the exit aperture, imparts a cyclotron angular momentum to the electrons. The cyclotron angular momentum provides a force to the electrons to substantially cancel the force of the self-magnetic field. Once the beam leaves the accelerating and cyclotron motion inducing space, it remains confined to a desired range of cross section. Such beams may be used for heating plasmas, or in high power microwave oscillators and amplifiers.
Abstract:
An electron beam generator in which an annular sheath of electrons is produced by an annular cathode and anode arrangement and injected in a converging manner to a focal point with a portion of the beam current returned to the center of the converging beam and through the center of the cathode annulus. Another portion of the beam current is fed back around the exterior of the converging beam.