An electron bombardment heated cathode structure is described which is capable of producing an electron emitting surface 5.7 cm in diameter at 2700 K, with ±5 K azimuthal temperature uniformity. The coaxial structure allows access along the axis, is assembled from modular components machinable on a lathe, and requires no water cooling internal to the vacuum system. The cathode" is particularly suitable as an emitting end plate for a thermionic plasma (Q machine). © 1969 The American Institute of Physics."