Formation and focusing of electron beams in an electron-optical system with a plasma emitter placed in a magnetic field

The configuration and strength of a magnetic field are calculated in the regions of electron generation, acceleration, and transport in the electron-optical system of the plasma electron source. A magnetic field necessary for discharge initiation and maintenance is generated with a permanent magnet placed in a discharge chamber. It is shown that the magnetic field strength and configuration in these regions can be considerably varied by appropriately choosing the materials of electrodes forming the magnetic circuit. It is found that the beam focusing can be significantly improved by producing a quasi-uniform magnetic field in the electron-optical system of the plasma electron source.