Abstract: A pulse generator for producing high-energy, subnanosecond electromagnetic pulses. The generator comprises a pulsed cathode assembly (160) which includes a microchannel-plate electron multiplier (150) triggered by a low-intensity, pulsed electron beam. An intense, pulsed electron beam obtained from the cathode assembly is directed through aperture (71) in waveguiding structure (170). It generates electromagnetic pulses, which are carried by the waveguiding structure to load (130).

Abstract: A compact radiation source is obtainable by cascade ionization of a high pressure gas jet as it emerges into a vacuum. The high frequency electric field causing the ionization can be supplied by either microwave or infra-red means. The radiation produced includes ions, atoms, plasma or light, in particular, vacuum ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: An improved crossed-beam charge-exchange ion gun in which a synthetic plasma is formed by injecting an electron beam into a collimated molecular beam just before the molecules are ionized by charge exchange with a crossed primary ion beam, thereby forming a secondary ion beam from the ionized but space-charge-neutralized and substantially undeflected molecular beam. The plasma thus formed extends to an aperture stop in an aperture tube which extends upstream from an anode downstream of which anode a cathode is placed. A field is formed within the cathode/anode space and within the aperture tube into which the plasma extends. The sheath edge of the plasma within the tube is curved by the field to form a meniscus, and the aperture, being smaller in area than the secondary ion beam upstream of the aperture, both collimates the secondary ion beam and acts as a lens stop for the subsequent immersion lens formed by the meniscus and the field region.