Compact −300 kV dc inverted insulator photogun with biased anode and alkali-antimonide photocathode

This contribution describes the latest milestones of a multiyear program to build and operate a compact -300 kV dc high voltage photogun with inverted insulator geometry and alkali-antimonide photocathodes. Photocathode thermal emittance measurements and quantum efficiency charge lifetime measurements at average current up to 4.5 mA are presented, as well as an innovative implementation of ion generation and tracking simulations to explain the benefits of a biased anode to repel beam line ions from the anodecathode gap, to dramatically improve the operating lifetime of the photogun and eliminate the occurrence of micro-arc discharges.