A guide-magnetic-field-free modular array diode for efficient electron beam pumping in excimer lasers

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Laser Technology
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Excimer lasers are crucial for applications like inertial confinement fusion.
• Traditional electron beam diodes require complex magnetic fields, limiting system design.
• Developing efficient and compact electron beam diodes is essential for advancing laser technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and validate a novel magnetic-field-free modular array diode for excimer lasers.
• To optimize diode design for efficient electron beam generation and transport.
• To provide a framework for designing compact, high-power excimer laser systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized field-enhanced space-charge-limited flow theory and particle-in-cell simulations.
• Designed strip-shaped array cathodes and optimized anode aperture matching.
• Integrated modular pulsed power units for diode operation.

Main Results:

• Achieved an electron beam energy deposition efficiency of 38.2% at 150 kV.
• Demonstrated a beam transport efficiency of 39.5%.
• Experimental results showed less than 10% deviation from Monte Carlo simulations.

Conclusions:

• The magnetic-field-free modular array diode is an effective design for excimer lasers.
• This approach enables efficient and compact electron beam diodes without strong magnetic confinement.
• The findings pave the way for advanced high-power excimer lasers, particularly for inertial confinement fusion.