Plasma and ion barrier for electron beam spot stability

High-current electron beams of small spot size are used for high-resolution x-ray radiography of dense objects. Intense energy deposition in the bremsstrahlung target causes generation of ions which can propagate upstream and disrupt the electron beam. We have investigated the use of a thin beryllium foil placed 1–2 cm in front of the target, which serves as a barrier for the ions but is essentially transparent to the incoming electron beam. Analysis and computer simulations confirm that this confinement method will halt ion propagation and preserve the spot size stability of the electron beam.