Abstract: A high current ion source for generating ion beams from gases and non-volatile materials which comprises a furnace-cathode unit for generating vapor to be ionized, a major source unit for ionizing the vapor generated in the furnace-cathode chamber and an extraction unit for removing the ions from the major source unit. The three units are removably sealed to each other by vacuum-tight seals. The furnace-cathode unit includes a furnace chamber, the major source unit includes a discharge chamber and the extraction unit a source outlet electrode. Connecting means couple the furnace chamber to the discharge chamber, and suspension means are provided for suspending the components from surrounding flanges.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating primary electrons from a cathode. The apparatus is associated with a gas discharge chamber in which forced gas discharges are maintained and consists of a body carrying concentric conductors, one of which is a cylinder and the other of which extends through and beyond the cylinder and carries at its free end a plate-type cathode which is electrically connected to the cylinder by heating filaments extending therebetween and arranged behind the cathode plate.

Abstract: A source for generating singly and/or multiply charged ions composed essentially of a glow cathode, an intermediate electrode and an anode electrode having a common axis of symmetry and bordering a gas discharge chamber and each presenting a passage opening coaxial with the axis of symmetry, and a system producing a magnetic field having an axial component along the axis of symmetry, with the anode electrode opening being at a location where the magnitude of the axial component of the magnetic field is substantially equal to its maximum value.