Experimental Study on Generation of Electron Beam Utilizing Cold Cathode in the Weakly Relativistic Energy Region

Electron beam generation in a weakly relativistic region of less than 100 kV is investigated utilizing rectangular and disk cold cathodes made of copper. Electron emission areas are located on the edges of the cathodes. For uniform electron emission, some surface roughness is required on the emission surface, which is obtained by scratching the surface with sandpaper. A uniform sheet beam with a size of about 2 × 40 mm and an annular beam with a diameter of about 25 mm and a thickness of about 2 mm are demonstrated in the weakly relativistic region. Stable electron beams of sheet and annular shapes are experimentally demonstrated.