Formation of a Quasi-Stationary Discharge in the Explosive-Emission Electron Sources

Formation of a quasi-stationary discharge or quasi-stationary emission mode in the explosive-emission electron sources is related to the current limitation resulting from the emissive ability saturation of cathode plasma with its expansion. The paper shows that in the process of the discharge current stabilization in the explosive-emission sources with the point- or blade-type emitters the essential role belongs to the electron beam space charge. Availability of the space charge results in limitation of the current growth velocity at the initial discharge phase and, hence, restricts the emissive ability of the cathode plasma and contributes to its saturation. In the vacuum diodes with multiemitter cathodes, the space charge availability increases the cathode operation stability and can provide obtaining of quasi-stationary beam current values or close to them resulting in formation of a plasma emission surface at the cathode close to the continuous one.