FAST PULSED HOLLOW-CATHODE CAPILLARY DISCHARGE DEVICE

A fast pulsed capillary discharge device has been developed and implem ented. The device combines the features of a transient hollow cathode discharge with the inherent characteristics of the capillary discharge , to obtain VUV to XUV radiation with ns rise time. The discharge oper ates in a 0.8 mm inner diameter alumina capillary, at 10-30 kV applied voltage. On axis discharge initiation is assisted by electron beams, which are characteristic of the hollow cathode effect. A short, 5 ns f ull width at half maximum XUV pulse is produced in association with a similar to 1 kA, 5 ns current pulse. (C) 1998 American Institute of Ph ysics. [S0034-6748(98)01709-2]