High power electron diode for linear induction accelerator at a flash radiographic facility

Abstract

We investigated a new cathode design and beam transport with the EPURE axis-1 injector in order to increase the beam characteristics at 3.8 MeV, 80 ns FWHM from the 2.0 kA nominal current to 2.6 kA corresponding to an average current density of 82 A/cm2. Such current increase is highly desirable for improving the x-ray dose and hence radiographic performances. To achieve this, a time-dependent model based on the particle-in-cell method was developed in order to simulate the injector. Using results from calculations based on this model, a 17.2 cm AK gap diode with a larger radius cathode (3.175 cm) was designed, manufactured and tested. Experimental and calculated currents and emittances are qualitatively compared. The study provides a detailed understanding of the beam dynamics inside this type of high current, high energy injector.