Ferroelectric plasma sources and their applications

Summary form only given, as follows. We studied the mechanism of strong electron emission observed from different ferroelectric samples. Using various time- and space-resolved electrical, optical and spectroscopic diagnostics it was shown that the source of the electron emission is surface plasma. This plasma is formed as a result of an incomplete discharge on the surface of the ferroelectric sample. This process is also accompanied by desorption of neutrals from the ferroelectric surface. It was shown that the parameters of the plasma and the neutral flow strongly depend on the polarization state of the ferroelectric material and on the parameters and application method of the driving pulse. We also studied the lifetime of the cathodes versus the driving pulse parameters. Electron beams with current amplitude of few kA and pulse duration up to 10/sup -6/ s were generated with rep-rate up to 10 Hz under the application of accelerating pulses with amplitudes of 25-250 W. Operation of the electron diode with and without plasma pre-filling was demonstrated. Data concerning the uniformity of the extracted electron beam and the potential distribution in the diode are presented. In addition, we present data concerning enhanced emission mode of the ferroelectric cathode and its application as a promising source of heavy ions. Results of application of ferroelectric plasma sources as cathodes in relativistic magnetrons and high-current switches are presented as well.