Formation of plasma flows in high-current dodes

A high-current diode of MS-M accelerator (u=300 kV, A=150 kA, tau=60 ns) has been investigated to study plasma dynamics in a high-current diode of relativistic electron beam generator. Outlet diameters of the electrodes made up 6 and 10 mm, accelerating gap was equal to 1-3 mm. Plasma formed during the action of high-voltage pulse in a diode was photographed in the visible spectrum range. Current-carrying channels with diameter equal to 200-300 μm strapping the accelerating gap are disclosed during X-ray pulse. Formation of the channels is associated with shaping of plasma jets from cathode spots. Current carrying ability of the channels is limited by ion-sonic rate, it assures occurrence of anomalous resistance of breaks in the channel and it conditions absence of diode interlocking by conduction current of plasma