Stable propagation of a high-current electron beam: experimental observations and computational modeling

Experimental studies of self-focused, high-current electron-beam propagation phenomena are compared with the results of computational modeling. The model includes the radial structure of the beam-plasma system, a full electromagnetic field description, primary and secondary gas ionization processes, and a linear theory of the hose-like distortions. Good agreement between the experimental results and the computations strengthens the premise that hose instability is the principal limitation to propagation at high pressure