Characteristics of an Electron Beam for User in Plasma Wave Probe Measurements

We discuss measurements made to characterize an electron beam (5 to 50 keV) which is being used in experiments designed to measure the amplitude of laser generated plasma waves. Recently, the electron gun was operated in the pulsed mode with pulse lengths of 10 to 100 ns. Also the electron gun was pulsed synchronously with a gas jet plasma source, YAG laser and optical detectors. Also to be discussed are the Faraday Cup for measuring beam current, beam emittance measurements and calculations, and deflection of the electron beam by the earth's magnetic field..