Simulation of conditions of formation of a stationary big section beam in plasma electron sources

The physics-mathematical model of an accelerating gap of a plasma electron source in an initial vacuum range of pressure is offered. Results of numerical modelling of formation of a stationary electron beam in sources with the plasma emitter having the big emission surface are presented. By computer simulation it were determined limiting values of pressure of residual gas in an accelerating gap at which generation of an electron beam is still possible. Influence of a return ion current on critical values of working pressure is investigated.