Abstract:
A diode discharge device may include a tubular anode concentrically encircled by and spaced from a tubular cathode electrode with ends intermediate the ends of said anode electrode, and a metal conductive housing having a tubular wall disposed around the cathode electrode with end walls connected to the anode electrode. High energy electron current coupling is through an opening in the housing tubular wall to a portion of the cathode electrode intermediate its ends. Suitable utilization means may be within the anode electrode at positions to be irradiated by electrons emitted from the cathode electrode and transmitted through the anode walls.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to an apparatus for producing pulsed and intense relativistic electron beams which by means of linear pinch techniques are focused down to less than 2 mm diameter and preferably less than 1 mm, thereby making possible the generation of an extremely high power density on a selected target. The beams are approximately 30-nsec with a current of 40 ka when 3.5 million volts are applied to the cathode. The disclosure is also concerned with an apparatus providing for the impingement of such beams upon targets which are adapted to make possible the production of thermonuclear fusion power and the production of transuranic elements in more than microgram quantities.
Abstract:
A method for preserving electron gun assemblies is disclosed. In the method, an electron gun assembly, including a thermionic cathode emitter, is assembled in a vacuum envelope structure. The envelope is evacuated, baked out, and the cathode processed in the conventional manner to activate the cathode. Beam voltages are applied to draw beam current from the gun to test proper operation thereof. These tests may include a test of beam diameter and perveance in the presence of a beam focusing magnetic or electric field. The processed and tested electron gun is then valved off from the rest of the envelope by means of a valve connected to the envelope portion including the electron gun. The valved off gun is then detached from the vacuum envelope for preserving the electron gun in an operable condition for subsequent use in a second vacuum envelope structure.
Abstract:
A resistor connected between the filament and a filament can of an electron beam device also is connected to an auxiliary operational amplifier that establishes and controls an auxiliary current through the resistor. The operational amplifier can be connected to maintain a constant current through the resistor or a constant potential difference across the resistor despite wide variations in the potential of the filament power supply, the electron producing ability of the filament, or other operational disturbances. In addition, the operational amplifier can be programmed to produce predetermined variations in the quantity of electrons making up the electron beam with a much wider band width.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to apparatus for producing pulsed beams of electrons which, by linear pinched techniques, are focused down to very small diameters, for example, to less than 1 millimeter, thereby making possible the generation of an extremely high power density on a selected target.
Abstract:
A method for preserving electron gun assemblies is disclosed. In the method, an electron gun assembly, including a thermionic cathode emitter, is assembled in a vacuum envelope structure. The envelope is evacuated, baked out, and the cathode processed in the conventional manner to activate the cathode. Beam voltages are applied to draw beam current from the gun to test proper operation thereof. These tests may include a test of beam diameter and permeance in the presence of a beam focusing magnetic or electric field. The processed and tested electron gun is then valved off from the rest of the envelope by means of a valve connected to the envelope portion including the electron gun. The valved-off gun is then detached from the vacuum envelope for preserving the electron gun in an operable condition for subsequent use in a second vacuum envelope structure.