Abstract:
An axial ion source comprising a tubular anode having an axis XX, at the two ends of which there are placed a cathode located along said axis XX and anticathode which comprises a circular plate having an axis YY parallel to the axis XX, this plate being able to revolve about this axis YY. A device controls the sequential rotation of the anticathode about the axis YY, the rotation of the anticathode enabling a new intact surface to be presented, when necessary, at the end of the anode. A cooling fluid can circulate in the grooves equipping the plate.