Abstract: Improved thermionic energy converters are provided by electrodes that include a silicon carbide support structure, a tungsten adhesion layer disposed on the silicon carbide support structure, and an activation layer disposed on the tungsten adhesion layer. The activation layer is a material that lowers the electrode work function, such as BaO, SrO and/or CaO.

Abstract: Improved thermionic energy converters are provided by electrodes that include a silicon carbide support structure, a tungsten adhesion layer disposed on the silicon carbide support structure, and an activation layer disposed on the tungsten adhesion layer. The activation layer is a material that lowers the electrode work function, such as BaO, SrO and/or CaO.

Abstract: A Laser-CRT is described in which the laser faceplate is at high potential and the cathode is above ground. The cathodes can be modulated in a dual-drive or push-pull mode in which each of the dual video amplifiers is required to swing only half of the total required voltage, thereby writing smaller pixels faster and achieving higher resolution. Another described embodiment provides a substantially constant laser output over time, and an approximately uniform output intensity over an area. A constant-output Laser-CRT can be used to illuminate a spatial light modulator (SLM) in a projection system, and since video modulation is not required in that embodiment, neither are costly electronics and merely a voltage bias need be applied to the electron gun (e.g., the K electrode) to turn on the electron beam.

Abstract: A multibeam, electrostatically focused klystron includes a plurality of conductive members, ones of which are recessed to provide input and output sections of microwave cavities, wherein focusing voltage is applied between those sections. The conductive members are either spaced along the path of multiple beams, or stacked in insulated relation, in either case being supported by glass rods within a glass envelope.