Electron beam generator

A compact, light-weight, non-scanning type electron beam generator is disclosed which is capable of producing low energy electron beams on the order of 100-500keV. Within a cylindrical member serving also as a positive electrode and equipped with an irradiation window there are disposed a linear cathode and a reflector inserted between a plurality of opposing planar accelerating electrodes arranged in order of increasing size in accordance with their distance from the cathode. Such an arrangement makes possible stepwise acceleration of the electron beam and provides an electron beam generator equivalent in performance to the Van de Graaff type generator though greatly reduced in size. Scanning and focusing means are unnecessary. (Owens, K.J.)