Abstract: A dispenser cathode is designed with an emitting surface including at least one emitting groove characterized by steep opposing walls oriented parallel to the ion flow wherein the walls have a given depth and are separated from each other by a given distance such that bombarding ions which impinge on one wall cause emitting material depleted therefrom to be deposited on the opposite wall. The cathode design, particularly the groove area, width and depth, are selected to optimize its emission current density, operational characteristics, and lifetime. Since the grooved dispenser cathode eliminates the effects of ion bombardment without sacrificing performance, the improved dispenser cathode can be used in thyratons and other gas filled electron tubes to provide an order of magnitude improvement in performance over standard cathodes.

Abstract: A dispenser cathode for a gas filled tube is fabricated from a porous metal material impregnated with an electron emitting material and has on an emitting surface at least one geometric aperture of a given depth and width and having steep vertical walls which serve to compensate for the deleterious effects of ion back bombardment.

Abstract: A structure associated with a ceramic envelope gas filled electron tube whereby a series of concentric holes are formed through grid radiator rings which thus simulates the outer neutral gas region of a typical glass envelope tube structure. In this manner, one has created a neutral non-ionized gas flow path which shunts the main discharge in such a thyratron and which is contained within the metal internal axial structure. The apertures, as formed in the grid radiator rings, thereby provide a source path for neutral molecular hydrogen from the gas reservoir located at the base of the tube to allow the gas to be directed to the anode/grid region of the tube, where electrons are pumped and the gas is collisionally ionized. The effect serves to enhance the maximum thyratron operating frequency by allowing cool neutral gas molecules to flow into the gap region through the parallel path and then into the discharge volume of the ceramic thyratron tube.