Spark multicathode for pulse electron accelerators

Cathode with the developed emitting surface based on using the synchronous operation of the large number of modified vacuum spark dischargers-spark emitters (SE) was investigated. SE operating principle is based on extracting electrons from plasma of a pulse vacuum discharge between two metal electrodes. Pins of stainless steel, titanium or zirconium serve as SE cathodes. A stainless steel plate with holes serves as anode. Extracting grids were made of steel which cell dimensions is 0.7x0.7 mm. It is shown that SE differ from thermal cathodes in a low mean consumed power, high values of emission current density, capability for operation in a pulse regime SE differ advantageously from autoemissive cathodes in a low intensity of electric fields, at which t ey are capable of operation, contollability, simpleness of frequency supply conditions, a wide range of emission current pulse duration, longer durability. Unlike plasma cathodes using discharge in gases at low pressures, the spark electron emitters can operate in vacuum at pressures of 10-5-10-7 mm Hg and does not require gas supply into the accelerator vacuum chamber