Theoretical and experimental results from 2-stage light ion diodes

Summary form only given. In order to improve the coupling of power to the ion diode and improve the beam divergence, a 2-stage intense ion diode concept is being pursued. Analysis and simulations have indicated improved divergence in a 2-stage diode with only modest ion emission in the second stage. Experiments on the joint Sandia National Laboratory-Ktech 2-Stage Diode Facility have shown voltage in the second stage dominated by the injected current from the first stage. This result indicates that independent voltage and current control may be possible at high intensities where coupling to MITLs and voltage control for bunching are desirable.