Viability of using diamond field emitter array cathodes in free electron lasers

Abstract

Developing free electron lasers (FEL) for shipboard use is of great interest to the United States Navy. This thesis gains insight, through simulation and design, into the potential use of diamond tipped field emitter array (DFEA) cathodes within the FEL system. Based on the operational requirements for a DFEA, a cathode-anode geometry was designed. Simulations were run on this design to determine if this configuration will work in a high voltage. Additionally, a cathode test cell was constructed to carry out follow on experiments. Finally, recommendations are made for future experimentation using the cathode test cell based on the results of this thesis.