Theoretical analysis of space-charge effects in photochron streak cameras

Abstract

The influence of space-charge effects on the nature and extent of intensity-dependent temporal broadening in picosecond and subpicosecond streak images has been investigated analytically. The results indicate that the limitations on the dynamic range of electron-optical streak cameras result primarily from space-charge effects which are most serious in regions of the streak tubes where the photoelectrons travel with low velocities for relatively long times. The predicted values of dynamic range have been found to be in reasonable agreement with experimental measurements for Photochron I and Photochron II streak cameras. Theoretical estimates of the dynamic range of the Photochron IV streak camera which is currently being developed have also been included.