Relativistic electron beam generation and transport through low pressures gases

Intense pulsed relativistic electron beams (REB) are characterised by high pulse powers ranging from gigawatts to terawatts and have important applications in scientific research, industry and defence. Physical processes involved in the generation of these beams and aspects of diode design have been discussed. The transport of high power REB in low pressure gas channels, taking into consideration charge and current neutralization processes and plasma heating, is also discussed. (author). 38 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs