Propagation of a relativistic electron beam in a strong magnetic field

Propagation characteristics of a relativistic electron beam in a strong magnetic field (-- 100 kG) is studied. Most of the beam is reflected by the strong magnetic field in a vacuum or in plasma but a very efficient beam transmission observed in a very narrow gas pressure region. It is found by measuring the electrostatic field and the magnetic field that these results are explained by the forces on the beam electrons, namely, the repulsive force due to space-charge and the pinch force due to the self magnetic field. The alignment of the velocity vectors of the beam electrons to the magnetic line of force in the very narrow pressure range is attributed to radial force neutralization. (author)