Power flow in the vacuum section of the EROS accelerator

Abstract

Used to conduct research into the intense flash x-ray source, the self-magnetic pinch diode[1], EROS [2] delivers approximately 100kA across a 4MV gap with a 150ns pulselength. Prior to reaching the load, this power flow enters a vacuum region where intense electric fields cause electron emission from many of the metal surfaces; these electrons are then subject to intense electromagnetic fields. Included are 2D particle in cell models of the electron power flow outside the diode and comparison with electrical diagnostics.