Abstract:
A method of and apparatus for determining the gas purity in gas lasers comprising means for producing free electrons or ionization as by a broad electron beam or the like in combination with further means for producing an electrical sustainer field, wherein in the presence of the sustainer field the production of free electrons or ionization is sharply terminated and the previously flowing sustainer field current is measured, the decay characteristics of the sustainer field current after termination of the production of free electrons being indicative of the presence or absence of substances adversely affecting the electron number density.
Abstract:
An electron beam discharge device for transmitting from the evacuated interior of the device a broad area electron beam through an electron window to a region of higher pressure outside the device. Electron emission means are disposed in an enclosure effective to shield the electron emission means from external electrical influences. Grid means at a high negative potential is disposed between the electron emission means and the electron window to effect the transmission through the electron window of electrons received from the electron emission means through the grid means. The electron window may be carried by an evacuated enclosure which may or may not be at ground potential. Spacecharge limited emission together with alignment of parts insure maximum uniformity of the beam.