Properties of a metal-ceramic cathode

Abstract

The characteristics of a metal-ceramic (MC) cathode designed for nanosecond electron accelerators are studied in relation to the size of metal particles, their density on the ceramic surface, and the type of ceramics. A high emissivity of the MC cathode at a moderate electric field in the diode tube is demonstrated. This allows one to significantly sharpen the electron beam and increase its current (power). The possibility of controlling the emissivity of the MC cathode by varying the composition of the MC plate is established.