A 500-kV, 10-mA photocathode DC gun which is designed for next-generation light-sources based on energy-recovery linac has been developed in a collaboration effort of JAEA, KEK, Hiroshima Univ. and Nagoya Univ. We have utilized a segmented cylindrical ceramic insulator and guard-ring electrodes to prevent any damage to the insulator from electrons emitted by the support-rod electrode. The 500-kV gun was successfully conditioned up to a voltage of 550 kV and a long-time holding test for 8 h was demonstrated at an acceleration voltage of 500 kV. The 500-kV gun consists of a Cockcroft-Walton generator, a segmented cylindrical ceramic insulator, guard-ring electrodes, a support-rod electrode, a vacuum chamber, and a pressurized insulating gas tank. The cathode electrode, anode electrode, and beam line apparatuses are now under fabrication and beam tests of the gun will be started soon.
