Dynamics of Highly Energetic Electrons in Novel Accelerating Diodes

We present initial predictions from the investigation of a novel, short-pulse (~200ns), space-charge-limited-emission electron accelerating diode, or electron-gun, that operates purely under the influence of its own self-fields - i.e. without the requirement for externally applied magnetic insulation of the propagating electron beam. The optimised model, developed using CST Studio Suite, predicted a ~500keV, ~1.86kA electron beam, with a mean envelope-radius of 16.8mm propagating into a 18mm radius drift-tube. The beam was very slightly convergent at the entry to the drift-region with a convergence angle of 1.5° (0.026rad).