Efficient electron beam deposition in the gas cell of the Electra laser

Extensive research has been performed to elucidate the transport of electron beam energy from a vacuum diode, through a foil support structure (hibachi), and into the Electra laser cell. Measurements and simulations of the energy deposition in the cell are reported for various krypton/argon mixtures, gas pressures, and the thickness and material of the hibachi foil. Two hibachi and several cathode configurations are investigated and electron energy deposition efficiencies into the gas of up to 75% have been achieved with a 500 kV, 180 ns full width at half maximum diode pulse. The experimental data are compared with one-, two-, and three-dimensional Monte Carlo transport calculations and particle-in-cell simulations. The importance of electron backscattering, radiation effects, and power deposition uniformity in the laser gas are discussed. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.