Initial studies of ferroelectric cathodes

Summary form only given. Ferroelectrics are investigated as a novel source of electrons, capable of providing the current and beam quality necessary for high-performance cathodes. To test ferroelectrics for suitability as cathodes, a prototype electron gun in a triode configuration has been built. The gun is energized using a 3.5-microsecond type-E pulse forming network commutated by a hydrogen thyratron and capable of repetition rates of 1 kHz. The grid of the triode acts to induce the phase transition. A second voltage is applied across the anode-cathode gap to accelerate the electrons. A design has been developed for a beam transport system using standard accelerator technology to determine the beam emittance and brightness. Since ferroelectric cathodes can in principle operate at relatively low temperatures, the limiting emittance set by the cathode temperature should be very low.