Abstract: In a scanning electron beam CT system, spherical aberration of the electron self-forces produces a deleterious halo around the final electron beam spot, causing loss of definition in the image rendered by the system. The spherical aberration is caused by non-uniform electron beam current density, and by non-uniform distribution of positive ions in the transition region of the beam-optical systems. The non-uniform electron beam current density depends upon the axial position of the electron gun cathode, while the transition region ion distribution depends upon the potential coupled to the washer-shaped positive ion electrode ("PIE") used to segregate the upstream and downstream portions of the electron beam. In the present invention, the beam spot halo is minimized (if not eliminated), and image definition is maximized by selecting the electron gun cathode axial position and the PIE potential such that their contributions to spherical aberrations at the final beam spot cancel.

Abstract: A method for improving the flame combustion of carbonaceous fuels. The method enables the reduction of oxides of nitrogen generated by the flame combustion, and enables an improvement in boiler efficiency. An ionic sodium or potassium compound, or a combination of them, is supplied with the combustible mixture of fuel and air so as intimately and uniformly to be present where and when the flame exists. Preferably the compound is supplied in an aqueous solution, and can be intimately mixed with the fuel, or with the atomizing air or steam, or with the combustion air. The process is useful with both single-stage and staged (multiple-staged) combustion systems.