The parameters and characteristics of a pulsed constricted arc discharge operating in the forevacuum pressure plasma-cathode source of a large-radius (about 4 cm) low-energy (up to 10 keV) electron beam are presented. The constricted arc discharge is characterized by a rising current-voltage characteristic. Increase in gas pressure and the use of gas with greater ionization cross section lead to a decrease in arc voltage. We have determined the dependences of the maximum stable arc current on the operating conditions, and explored the emission properties of the plasma. Efficient electron emission from this plasma over the pressure range 5–21 Pa, and the influence of the beam generation processes on the constricted arc discharge have been demonstrated. A pulsed electron beam with current up to 20 A and energy up to 10 keV has been obtained using a forevacuum-pressure plasma-cathode electron source based on a constricted arc discharge.

介绍了在大半径（约4 cm）低能（高达10 keV）电子束的前驱压力等离子体阴极源中工作的脉冲压缩电弧放电的参数和特性。收缩电弧放电的特征在于电流-电压特性上升。气压的增加和使用具有更大电离截面的气体会导致电弧电压降低。我们已经确定了最大稳定电弧电流对工作条件的依赖性，并研究了等离子体的发射特性。已经证明，在5-21 Pa的压力范围内，该等离子体有效地发射了电子，并且证明了电子束产​​生过程对狭窄电弧放电的影响。