Abstract:
A cathode assembly is for use in a radiation generator and includes an ohmically heated cathode, and a support having formed therein a hole and a recess at least partially surrounding the hole. In addition, there is a mount coupled to the support. The mount includes a larger outer frame positioned within the recess, a smaller inner frame carrying the ohmically heated cathode and spaced apart from the larger outer frame, and a plurality of members coupling the smaller inner frame to the larger outer frame.
Abstract:
An ion source for use in a particle accelerator includes at least one cathode. The at least one cathode has an array of nano-sized projections and an array of gates adjacent the array of nano-sized projections. The array of nano-sized projections and the array of gates have a first voltage difference such that an electric field in the cathode causes electrons to be emitted from the array of nano-sized projections and accelerated downstream. There is a ion source electrode downstream of the at least one cathode, and the at least one cathode and the ion source electrode have the same voltage applied such that the electrons enter the space encompassed by the ion source electrode, some of the electrons as they travel within the ion source electrode striking an ionizable gas to create ions.
Abstract:
In certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provide an ion source including an anode (25) and a cathode (5). In certain example embodiments, the cathode does not overhang over the anode, or vice versa. Since no, or fewer, areas of overhang are provided between the anode and cathode, there is less undesirable build-up on the anode and/or cathode during operation of the ion source so that the source can run more efficiently. Moreover, in certain example embodiments, an insulator (35) such as a ceramic or the like is provided between the anode and cathode.