Work

Mitigation of Electron Beam Pinching in Large Area Electron Diodes Using Segmented Cathodes

Year: 2026

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Producing a spatially uniform current density over a large area with high current electron beams remains a persistent challenge in pulsed power diode systems. In conventional monolithic cathode designs, self magnetic forces drive beam pinching and strong radial nonuniformities, limiting the usable beam area. In this work, fully electromagnetic particle in cell simulations using the CHICAGO code [1] are used to investigate segmented cathodes as a means to mitigate beam pinching and improve current density uniformity.

Source: IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science (ICOPS)

DOI: 10.1109/icops53334.2026.11660070

Authors: Stephen B. Swanekamp, Jack Watrous, Ian M. Rittersdorf

Institutions: United States Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory Plasma Physics Division

Language: English

Topic: Pulsed Power Technology Applications

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7204556138

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