Development and Preliminary Testing of a Low-Cost Electron Source Using Gas Discharge Techniques: A Case Study from Afghanistan

Mohammad Bilal Hilal; Arash Gharibi; Musa Khan Khpalwak; Noor Mohammad Azizi

doi:10.62810/jnsr.v4i3.555

Authors

Mohammad Bilal Hilal Kabul University, Physics and Electronics Department, Physics Faculty, Kabul, Afghanistan
Arash Gharibi Mirwais Khan Nika University-Zabul, Physics Department, Education Faculty, Zabul, Afghanistan
Musa Khan Khpalwak Mirwais Khan Nika University-Zabul, Physics Department, Education Faculty, Zabul, Afghanistan
Noor Mohammad Azizi Kabul University, Atomic and Nuclear Physics Department, Physics Faculty, Kabul, Afghanistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v4i3.555

Keywords:

Electron Source, Electron Gun, Gas Discharge, Ionization, Linear Accelerator(LINAC), Vacuum

Abstract

Electron sources constitute an important part of linear accelerators (LINACs) as they determine the initial characteristics, stability, and quality of the generated electron beam. However, conventional electron guns generally require complex vacuum systems, expensive components, and complex maintenance, limiting their availability in countries with limited resources. Therefore, developing a simple and low-cost electron source is an important step towards the expansion of the accelerator technology and supporting experimental research in such environments. This study was designed to develop, fabricate, and test a low-cost electron source using gas discharge techniques and locally available materials in Afghanistan. A combined theoretical and experimental approach was taken in the study of the basic processes of electron emission, electrostatic acceleration, and gas ionization. The prototype consisted of a cathode-anode assembly mounted in a low-pressure argon-filled glass discharge tube powered by a variable high-voltage supply. System performance was characterized by glow discharge formation, electron transport, and magnetic beam deflection under different conditions. The developed prototype successfully generated a stable glow discharge and showed evidence of electron emission, acceleration, and controlled charged-particle motion under fore-vacuum conditions. The estimated construction cost was about 2450 AFN which shows that the system can be developed with limited finances for laboratory scale applications. Although the lack of sophisticated diagnostic instruments prevented quantitative beam characterization, the prototype demonstrated the basic operating principles of an electron source. These findings provide a practical basis for future development of low-cost accelerator hardware and radiation technology research in Afghanistan and other resource-limited settings.

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