Stability of electron beam parameters in sources with cold secondary-emission cathodes

The investigation into the generation of tubular electron beams and their parameters in a system of secondaryemission cathodes was carried out. The parameters of electron beams in a multi-cathode secondary-emission source and a single magnetron gun with the use of a multi-channel measuring system were measured. The stability of the beam current amplitude and a net charge in the beam (pulse to pulse), current distribution on the azimuth were studied. In the 8-cathode system at a cathode voltage of ~34 kV and a magnetic field strength of ~3500 Oe the total current of all beams was ~35 A and its stability was 4÷5%. In the single magnetron gun at a cathode voltage of ~30 kV and a magnetic field strength of ~2500 Oe the beam current was ~60 A. And its stability was 2÷4%.