Presented are measurements on the generation of negative hydrogen ion beams via the conversion of positive ion beams on low work function surfaces placed outside the positive ion source. The converter surfaces are positioned parallel to the beam axis and the positive ion beam is directed onto them by the increase of the beam divergence caused by beam retardation. Results include a negative hydrogen ion beam current of 15 mA at a current density of 6.2 mA/cm2. The converter work function is lowered by the deposition of a Cs monolayer. The Cs coverage could be maintained during the bombardment by the intense H+beam through surface migration of the Cs from a reservoir.