Ultra-thin graphitic carbon film for high-power electronics applications

A novel explosive-emission cathode capable to produce high-current nanosecond electron bunches and enable tuning in terms of size is proposed and demonstrated to performance fit the particular problem. The record parameters, average diode current 6.5 kA and voltage 410 kV, are achieved by covering a conventional, planar copper cathode with a carbon film being composed of graphitic pyrolytic carbon (GrPyC). The demonstrated plasma expansion velocity and current density are comparable with those obtained with conventional graphitic cathodes. However, in contrast to purely graphite cathodes, the shape, size and surface profile of the proposed hybrid GrPyC/Cu cathodes can be readily adjusted allowing adjustments to fit requirements of a variety of high-current electronic applications.