An apparatus generating a high-energy electron-beam

The apparatus according to the invention comprises two cathodes and an anode wherein is mounted a target, and a current feed-device for generating high-energy electron-pulses of short duration, said target comprising a hollow spherical envelope of an electron absorbing substance, of sufficient thickness for not being pierced through by electrons, and at least an hydrogen-isotope, in order that, in view of the volatilization of the enveloppe outer layer, said isotope be highly compressed and raised to an extremely high temperature so as to form a plasma or to induce a nuclear fusion reaction. The apparatus and target according to the invention are suitable, in particular, for an experimental nuclear fusion reactor or a power-reactor