Commissioning & Characterization of Magnetized Gridded Thermionic Electron Source

Abstract

Collaborative efforts to design and fabricate a magnetized gridded thermionic electron source have been conducted between Xelera and Jefferson Lab. Commissioning and characterization of an electron gun fabricated by Xelera was performed to benchmark the viability of future electron source designs and capabilities. The work involved simulation, installation, trouble-shooting, modifications of the design, commissioning, characterization, and magnetization of the electron beam produced. A specially designed cavity as well as novel diagnostic tools and methods were developed, implemented, and experimentally tested. Finally, the gun was used to demonstrate a previously unachieved current of magnetized electron beam from a gridded thermionic source of this uniquely compact size. This thesis addresses the following scientific and technological challenges: building a compact gridded thermionic electron source, producing high current magnetized electron beam, and demonstrating novel characterization measurements for magnetized beam.