Abstract: An electron gun (10) includes an electron multiplier (22, 22?, 22?, 110) has a receiving end (50, 50?, 50?) for receiving primary electrons and an output end (54, 54?, 54?) that emits secondary electrons responsive to primary electrons arriving at the receiving end. An electron emitter (20, 20?, 20?, 102) is arranged at the receiving end of the electron multiplier for supplying primary electrons thereto. At least one of an electrical and a magnetic focusing component (14, 16) is arranged at the open output end of the electron multiplier for focusing the secondary electrons to define an electron beam. In a suitable embodiment, the electron multiplier includes a generally conical substrate (74, 90) and an electron mirror (52, 521, 522, 523, 921, 922) including a high secondary electron yield film (70) disposed on an outer surface of the conical substrate.

Abstract: A slow wave circuit (10, 110) of a traveling wave tube includes a three-dimensional conductive structure (30, 130). A dielectric film (36, 136) coats selected portions of the three-dimensional conductive structure (30, 130). An outer housing (12, 14, 112, 114) surrounds the three-dimensional conductive structure (30, 130) . The outer housing (12, 14, 112, 114) includes interior surfaces that connect with the dielectric film (36, 136). In a method for generating or amplifying microwave energy, a three-dimensional conductive structure is laser micromachined to define a selected generally periodic pattern thereon. The conductive structure is arranged inside a generally hollow barrel. An electron beam passes through the generally hollow three-dimensional structure and interacts with the conductive structure and the generally hollow barrel to generate or amplify the microwave energy.

Abstract: A radio frequency magnetron device for generating radio frequency power includes a cathode at least partially formed from a diamond material. An anode is disposed concentrically around the cathode. An electron field is provided radially between the anode and the cathode. First and second oppositely charged pole pieces are operatively connected to the cathode for producing a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the electric field. A filament is provided within the electron tube which when heated produces primary electrons. Alternatively, a voltage is applied to the anode which causes primary electrons to emit from the diamond coated cathode. A portion of the primary electrons travel in a circular path and induce radio frequency power. Another portion of the primary electrons spiral back and collide with the cathode causing the emission of secondary electrons. The secondary electron emission sustains operation of the magnetron device once the device has been started.

Abstract: A radio frequency magnetron device for generating radio frequency power includes a cathode at least partially formed from a diamond material. An anode is disposed concentrically around the cathode. An electron field is provided radially between the anode and the cathode. First and second oppositely charged pole pieces are operatively connected to the cathode for producing a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the electric field. A filament is provided within the electron tube which when heated produces primary electrons. Alternatively, a voltage is applied to the anode which causes primary electrons to emit from the diamond coated cathode. A portion of the primary electrons travel in a circular path and induce radio frequency power. Another portion of the primary electrons spiral back and collide with the cathode causing the emission of secondary electrons. The secondary electron emission sustains operation of the magnetron device once the device has been started.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the performance of a vacuum coating system includes a vacuum chamber enclosing a track. The track is substantially rectangular having a top surface and a bottom surface. A pair of legs are attached to the bottom surface of the track and support the track within the vacuum chamber. The legs have a top edge engaging the bottom surface of the track and a bottom edge secured to a bottom section of the vacuum chamber. The legs extend longitudinally along the bottom surface of the track. A rail is mounted on the top surface of the track and extends along a longitudinal axis of the track. A substantially planar platter having a top face and a bottom face is supported on top of the rail. The platter is adapted to slide from side to side along the rail across the length of the track. A stage carrying an electron beam evaporator is mounted on the top face of the platter. As such, the electron beam evaporator slides with the platter across the length of the track.