Abstract: Scanning beam apparatus adapted to display two views of a surface for stereoscopic viewing, wherein two series of electrical signals are obtained by scanning the surface with a normal and then tilted beam characterized by a frame store (36) to which the two series of electrical signals are supplied, the frame store including a feedback loop and input and feedback multiplying means (38, 40) and forming a recursive filter, and signal converter means for (42) including a red/green/blue look-up table memory means for generating red/green/blue signals for display by a color monitor (44).

Abstract: Charged particles from a line emitter are focussed as a line image on a means for selectively blocking part of the image to produce a flat beam of controllable length. The blocking means may be an apertured plate with means for rotating and/or translating the image relative to the aperture to produce the required beam length. After passage through the aperture the beam may be twisted and/or translated to its original or some other orientation and position. The beam may be of electrons or ions and may be used in the manufacture or testing of integrated circuits. An alternative form of blocking means is a row of controllable gate electrodes which can block selected parts of the line beam; this is of particular value in producing c.r.t. displays.

Abstract: Light valve for use in the projection of an image in which a liquid crystal is addressed by an electron beam produced in a column (10). The vacuum interface of the light valve (12) consists of an electrically inhomogenous structure (54) of fine conductors arranged within an insulating matrix. The invention is concerned with the method of manufacturing the light valve vacuum interface to permit high resolution to be obtained, the method comprising filling holes in a glass capillary array, as currently used for filtration of liquids with a molten metal or alloy, and allowing the liquid to cool. The filling is effected by placing the glass capillary array in an evacuated chamber and forcing the molten alloy into the holes in the array under pressure.

Abstract: Electron detector apparatus and method for detecting secondary electrons released from a body, of particular utility in testing integrated circuits in an operational state. The apparatus utilizes a magnetic lens having an axis of symmetry, for producing a magnetic field that progressively weakens along the axis, so that the secondary electrons travel through the magnetic lens in progressively elongated helical paths and approach an electron retarding means, for example a planar grid, at approach angles to the direction of the axis such that their approach speeds along the axis are substantially equal to their actual speeds. The secondary electrons are collected after passage through the retarding means.