Simulation of Electron Beam Dynamics in a Nonmagnetized High-Current Vacuum Diode

TL;DR

This paper analyzes electron beam behavior in a high-current vacuum diode with various geometries, identifying conditions for minimal momentum spread and explaining increased current density with ring-type cathodes due to electrostatic effects.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of electron beam dynamics in nonmagnetized high-current vacuum diodes, highlighting the impact of cathode geometry on current density and beam quality.

Findings

Optimal conditions for minimal electron momentum spread identified.

Significant increase in current density with ring-type cathodes explained.

Electrostatic repulsion causes the rise in current density.

Abstract

The electron beam dynamics in a nonmagnetized high-current vacuum diode is analyzed for different cathode-anode gap geometries. The conditions enabling to achieve the minimal {initial} momentum spread in the electron beam are found out. A drastic rise of current density in a vacuum diode with a ring-type cathode is described. The effect is shown to be caused by electrostatic repulsion.