Photocathode source for studying two-dimensional fluid phenomena with magnetized electron columns

Magnetized electron columns are a valuable experimental tool used to study two-dimensional (2D) fluid phenomena. Traditionally, the electrons have been generated with thermionic sources, typically limiting the initial electron distribution to one filled circle and thereby restricting the range of accessible fluid phenomena. Here, we describe a new electron source based on a cesium antimonide photocathode that can generate more complicated initial electron distributions. Experiments so far have focused on the stability of 2D vortex patterns.