Development of a 2 ns duration high current electron beam source using CsI coated carbon fibre cathode

A 50 ampere beam current having a rise time lesser than 500 pico-seconds with its energy 50 keV is generated using field emission mechanism. Beam duration was 2 ns. CsI coating on carbon fibre cathode was done using plasma spray coating. The results obtained from this cathode were compared to the carbon fibre cathode and the reason behind higher current density in the case of CsI coating has been explained.