摘要 |
A negative ion source is disclosed which includes an electrode, a target having a more negative electrical potential than the electrode, a supply of electrical energy for generating a discharge between the electrode and the target, and at least one magnet positioned so as to confine electrons, generated as a result of said discharge, in close proximity to a first surface of the target. The negative ion source further includes a delivery system for delivering cesium to a second surface of the target, and a distribution chamber interposed between the delivery system and the target for uniformly distributing cesium on the second surface of said target. The cesium diffuses through openings in the target from the first surface to the second surface. The negative ion source may comprise a conventional magnetron sputter source that has been retroffitted to include a cesium distribution system.
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