Abstract: In a method of vaporizing getter material from a getter container inside a vacuum electron tube, light from the vaporization is sensed at least from the outset of the heating of the container. A time-dependent sample signal is produced from the sensed light which is compared with time-dependent criteria related to the vaporization, and a characteristic of the vaporization is derived from the comparison.

Abstract: An electrode of the electron gun assembly has two accurately positioned alignment apertures therein, a line connecting the centers of the alignment apertures being transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the gun assembly. The alignment method includes holding the electron gun assembly relative to the cathode-ray tube envelope and directing a collimated light source toward the alignment apertures. Next, the position of the electron gun assembly is rotationally stepped about its central longitudinal axis while the light source is pulsed in coordination with the steps in position of the electron gun assembly. During the rotation, the number of light pulses passing through the alignment apertures are counted up. Thereafter, the stepping direction of the electron gun assembly is reversed and the number of light pulses passing through the alignment apertures are counted down.