Abstract: A focusing electrode structure for a photomultiplier tube which optimizes the tube operation. One or more focusing electrodes located between the photocathode and the first dynode are configured in the shape of substantial sections of a spheroid dome with the smaller opening nearer to the photocathode. In the preferred embodiment three focusing electrodes are used with their sizes increasing and their voltages decreasing as they approach the photocathode.

Abstract: An intensified charge-coupled image sensor comprises an image intensifier section and a header assembly. The image intensifier section includes an envelope having therein a photoemissive cathode for emitting photoelectrons in a pattern corresponding to the intensity of radiation incident thereon. The header assembly includes a charge-coupled device with a front surface having a plurality of electrodes adjacent thereto and a back surface directed toward the cathode. The charge-coupled device is improved by forming it on a disc-shape semiconductor wafer having a center portion and an annular rim portion, the center portion has a thickness less than that of the annular rim portion. A plurality of contact pads are formed around at least a portion of the rim portion. The contact pads are electrically connected to different ones of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: An intensified charge-coupled image sensor has a longitudinally extending optical axis. The image sensor comprises an image intensifier section and a header assembly. The image intensifier section includes an envelope having a photoemissive cathode therein for emitting photoelectrons in a pattern corresponding to the intensity of radiation incident thereon. The header assembly includes a charge-coupled device for receiving the photoelectrons from the cathode, an insulative header and a header flange attached between the insulative header and the image intensifier section. The header assembly is improved by the inclusion of an annular support flange which is coaxially disposed within the header flange. The support flange has a projection that abuts the insulative header. A charge-coupled device support assembly is eccentrically disposed within and attached to the annular support flange.

Abstract: An electron discharge device of the type including an evacuated envelope having a longitudinal axis comprises a photoemissive cathode for providing electrons in response to radiation incident thereon and a charge coupled device spaced from the cathode. A plurality of washer-like focusing electrodes are disposed between the cathode and the charge coupled device for focusing electrons therebetween. Each of the electrodes has an electron aperture of progressively decreasing diameter. The electron aperture of the electrode adjacent to the cathode is larger than the electron aperture in the electrode adjacent to the charge coupled device. The electrodes provide a substantially spherical electrostatic field lens between the photoemissive cathode and the charge coupled device.

Abstract: An image sensing device includes a wafer of semiconductor material having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface has a central portion comprising a membrane, which is surrounded by a rim. The membrane is of lesser thickness than the rim. An improved support assembly for the device comprises a lower support member in contact with the rim portion of the second surface of the wafer near the periphery thereof, and an upper tensioning member having a target contact portion which forcibly abuts the rim portion of the first surface of the wafer adjacent to the membrane and urges the wafer against the lower support member thereby tensioning the membrane. Centering brackets center and secure the lower support member and the upper tensioning member within the device.

Abstract: An improved electron multiplier assembly includes a plurality of communicating electrodes affixed to a pair of insulative support plates. The electrodes comprise a plurality of dynodes including an ultimate dynode and an anode. The anode comprises a substantially flat, rigid member having at least one longitudinally-extending aperture. The anode is disposed substantially within and spaced from the ultimate dynode. Mounting tabs extend from the anode to inflexibly secure the anode to the support plates.

Abstract: An improved photomultiplier tube of the type having a longitudinally-extending tube axis includes an evacuated envelope having a generally cylindrical wall member. The wall member is closed at one end by a face-plate and at the other end by a stem, heat sealed to the wall member. At least one source of alkali vapor is within the envelope. A photoemissive cathode is formed on the faceplate. A dynode cage assembly is spaced from the cathode in proximity to the stem. A plurality of stem leads extend through the stem for energizing the cathode, the dynode cage assembly and the source of alkali vapor. A heat shield is disposed transversely across the tube axis between the dynode cage assembly and the stem. The heat shield isolates the dynode cage assembly from the deleterious effect of the heat generated during the sealing of the stem to the wall member. The heat shield comprises a substantially inert, insulative material. The source of alkali vapor is mounted on the heat shield facing the dynode cage assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a lithium-sodium-antimony photocathode including the step of forming a base layer including antimony on a substrate. Sodium is then deposited onto the base layer at an elevated temperature to a first peak value of responsivity, thereby forming a sodium-antimony surface. Next, at room temperature, lithium is deposited onto the substrate containing the sodium-antimony surface until the lithium-sodium-antimony photocathode develops a hazy brown color. The photocathode is sensitized by heating the substrate to an elevated temperature until a second peak value of responsivity, greater than the first peak value, is obtained. Antimony, sodium and lithium are then alternately deposited on the photocathode in order to stabilize the second responsivity peak.

Abstract: A photomultiplier assembly includes a tubular member of high magnetic permeability and a photomultiplier tube disposed within the tubular member. The photomultiplier tube has an encapsulated voltage distribution network attached thereto. A universal member extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the photomultiplier tube and provides a slip-fit between the photomultiplier tube and the tubular member so as to space the photomultiplier tube from the tubular member. The universal member has a retaining shoulder which projects radially inwardly between the photomultiplier tube and the voltage distribution network. A plurality of locking members are affixed between the universal member and the tubular member.

Abstract: An improved photomultiplier tube comprises an evacuated envelope having a faceplate extending across one end thereof. A photoemissive cathode is disposed on the interior surface of the faceplate. A support electrode having a centrally located aperture therethrough is spaced from the faceplate. An electron multiplier assembly is attached to the support electrode. A focusing assembly is disposed about the centrally located aperture in the support electrode on a side of the support electrode opposite the electron multiplier assembly. The focusing electrode assembly comprises an insulating member having a generally tubular body with an interior surface and an exterior surface and having a proximal end and a distal end. A top-cap, having a substantially U-shaped cross-section including a flat central base and two mutually parallel projections at the ends of the base, is attached to the distal end of the insulating member.

Abstract: A photomultiplier tube comprises an evacuated envelope having a photoemissive cathode formed on an interior surface of the envelope. An evaporator support assembly is attached to a dynode assembly in such a manner as to align and precisely locate the dynode assembly with respect to the interior wall surface of the tube. The evaporator support assembly provides a structure for attaching an alkali source within the tube in a manner which guarantees mechanical and electrical reproducibility. The evaporator support structure also includes a structure for making contact to the photocathode of the tube.

Abstract: A photomultiplier tube comprises an evacuated envelope having a photoemissive cathode therein. A cage assembly including an anode and a plurality of closely spaced dynodes are within the envelope. The anode has at least one support rod. Each of the dynodes has a pair of dynode tabs formed in the ends thereof. A pair of dynode support spacers having a plurality of stress isolation apertures and electrode support apertures formed therethrough are provided for supporting the dynodes and the anode. The dynode tabs and the anode support rod extend through the electrode support apertures. A plurality of deformable stress isolation eyelets comprising a tubular shank with a flare formed in one end of the shank are disposed within a different one of the stress isolation apertures. The flare diameter is greater than the diameter of the stress isolation apertures thereby retaining the eyelets within the apertures.

Abstract: A photoelectric tube, preferably a photomultiplier tube comprises a photoemissive cathode deposited on the inner faceplate of the tube envelope and a dynode assembly mounted within the envelope. The tube includes a generator containing an alkali metal source for deposition of alkali metal onto the cathode surface. The generator has means for directing the alkali metal vapors substantially toward the cathode surface and for preventing the alkali metal vapors from substantially depositing on the dynode assembly.

Abstract: An electron beam tube having a cold cathode capable of being used as a caa tube or a display tube. The tube is constructed of two sections which are fitted together in a vacuum. The first section includes the tube neck and face section and an annular opening having a taper at the end thereof. The second section houses the cold cathode and a surface contact area for abuttably engaging a resilient electrical connector housed in the first section. The second section is forceably fitted over the taper on the first section to effect a vacuum tight seal.