Abstract:
For maintaining a monolayer of scandium which is necessary for a satisfactory emission on the surface of a scandate cathode, at least the top layer of the cathode is provided with scandium coated with a scandium oxide film. Even after repeated ion bombardment the emission is found to recover up to approximately 90% of the initial value at a current density of ca. 100 A/cm.sup.2.
Abstract:
By providing at least the top layer of the matrix of a scandate cathode with an alloy or compound which exhibits scandium segregation, a satisfactory recovery for cathodes with a high emission can be achieved after ion bombardment.
Abstract:
An oxide cathode comprising a base 1 which consists substantially of titanium and a heater element 5 coated with aluminium oxide 6 to heat the base 1, which bears a porous alkaline earth metal oxide emissive layer 4. When the surface of the titanium base 1 which is opposed to the heater element 5 bears a metal layer 7 consisting at least of one of the metals Pt, Mo, Ta and W, a solution is obtained to the problem occurring in titanium cathodes in that titanium in contact with aluminium oxide is not chemically stable. The metal layer preferably consisits of pure tungsten and is formed by chemical vapour desposition (CVD). The metal layer is preferably from 1 to 10 .mu.m thick.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a scandate dispenser cathode having a matrix (1) at least the top layer of which consists substantially of a mixture of tungsten with scandium oxide or with a mixed oxide comprising scandium oxide. When sintering of the matrix is carried out at a temperature between 1300.degree. and 1700.degree. C., preferably at approximately 1500.degree. C. and in a hydrogen atmosphere, cathodes are obtained having a better recovery after ion bombardment compared with cathodes sintered at 1900.degree. C. Sintering in hydrogen results in a better reproducibility.
Abstract:
An oxide cathode comprising a metal base substantially consisting of titanium and a heating element for heating said base, on which base a porous layer comprising an alkaline earth metal oxide is provided. The cathode has a comparatively low operating temperature, a short warm up time and a low power requirement.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a low pressure gas discharge lamp having a body present in the discharge vessel which consists of a longitudinal support which extends into the longitudinal direction of the vessel. The support being provided with fibres which are distributed over the space within the discharge vessel and extend substantially transversely from the support.