Abstract: Methods, devices and system for asymmetric inertial confinement fusion are disclosed. One method includes a fixing in position a target capsule comprising an inertial confinement fusion fuel, where the target capsule is substantially spherical. The method further includes for applying an oscillatory compression to the target capsule. The oscillatory compression includes compression at a first time in a radial direction orthogonal to a diametric axis of the target capsule, and compression at a second time along the diametric axis to drive the target capsule into driven into an ovoid shape. The oval shaped target can implode upon being further driven at a third time.

Abstract: Methods, devices and system for asymmetric inertial confinement fusion are disclosed. One method includes a fixing in position a target capsule comprising an inertial confinement fusion fuel, where the target capsule is substantially spherical. The method further includes for applying an oscillatory compression to the target capsule. The oscillatory compression includes compression at a first time in a radial direction orthogonal to a diametric axis of the target capsule, and compression at a second time along the diametric axis to drive the target capsule into driven into an ovoid shape. The oval shaped target can implode upon being further driven at a third time.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a snapshot multiframe imager having an aperture element having at least one aperture, an adjacently positioned random mask, an imaging element and a computer. The random mask has a plurality of micron scale apertures and receives light passing through the aperture element, which represents the spatial information from the scene being imaged, and generates a plurality of image frames encoded in a spatial domain. The imaging element may operate in a drift-scan mode receives the encoded image frames and generates a streaked pattern of electrons representing a plurality of images of the scene at a plurality of different times. The computer analyzes the streaked pattern of electrons and mathematically reconstructs the plurality of images.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a snapshot multiframe imager having an aperture element having at least one aperture, an adjacently positioned random mask, an imaging element and a computer. The random mask has a plurality of micron scale apertures and receives light passing through the aperture element, which represents the spatial information from the scene being imaged, and generates a plurality of image frames encoded in a spatial domain. The imaging element may operate in a drift-scan mode receives the encoded image frames and generates a streaked pattern of electrons representing a plurality of images of the scene at a plurality of different times. The computer analyzes the streaked pattern of electrons and mathematically reconstructs the plurality of images.

Abstract: Methods, devices and system for asymmetric inertial confinement fusion are disclosed. One method includes a fixing in position a target capsule comprising an inertial confinement fusion fuel, where the target capsule is substantially spherical. The method further includes for applying an oscillatory compression to the target capsule. The oscillatory compression includes compression at a first time in a radial direction orthogonal to a diametric axis of the target capsule, and compression at a second time along the diametric axis to drive the target capsule into driven into an ovoid shape. The oval shaped target can implode upon being further driven at a third time.

Abstract: Inspection method and tool for flat panel displays for localizing short-circuit and open-circuit type defects for optional repair involves inducing a localized temperature change in the display and observing any electrical effect on the network formed by the rows and columns. In one embodiment, a laser is used to heat the rows and columns individually and the resulting time-dependent resistance changes or thermoelectric potentials result in electrical signals on the row and column shorting busses. The method can be used to identify crossings of conductors, which contain defects and may be further used to localize the defects within the crossing. Methods for enhancing the sensitivity of the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The intensity at which electrons emitted by a first plate structure (10) in a flat-panel display strike a second plate structure (12) for causing it to emit light is controlled so as to reduce image degradation that could otherwise arise from undesired electron-trajectory changes caused by effects such as the presence of a spacer system (14) between the plate structures. An electron-emissive region (20) in the first plate structure typically contains multiple laterally separated electron-emissive portions (201 and 202) for selectively emitting electrons. An electron-focusing system in the first plate structure has corresponding focus openings (42P1 and 42P2) through which electrons emitted by the electron-emissive portions respectively pass. Upon being struck by the so-emitted electrons, a light-emissive region (22) in the second plate structure emits light to produce at least part of a dot of the display's image.

Abstract: A spacer (44) for a flat-panel display is formed with a main spacer portion (60), typically shaped like a wall, and a face electrode (66) situated over a face of main spacer portion. The spacer is inserted between two opposing plate structures (40 and 42) of the display. The face electrode causes electrons moving from one of the plate structures to the other to be deflected in such a manner as to compensate for other electron deflection caused by the presence of the spacer. The face electrode is divided into multiple laterally separated segments (661-66N) to improve the accuracy of the compensation along the length of the spacer. A masking step is typically utilized in defining the widths of the segments of the face electrode.

Abstract: Scattered or/and transmitted light is employed to determine characteristics, including dimensional information, of an object (60) such as part (10) of a flat-panel display. The dimensional information includes the average diameter of openings (62) in the object, the average density of the openings, and the average thickness of a layer (64) of the object. Light-diffraction patterns are produced to determine characteristics, such as abnormalities (146 and 148), of crossing lines (140 and 142) in such an object.

Abstract: A flat panel display is disclosed which includes a faceplate with a faceplate interior side, and a backplate including a backplate interior side in an opposing relationship to the faceplate interior side. Side walls are positioned between the faceplate and the backplate. The side walls, faceplate and backplate form an enclosed sealed envelope. A plurality of phosphor subpixels are positioned at the faceplate interior side. A plurality of field emitters are positioned at the backplate interior side. The field emitters emit electrons which strike corresponding phosphor subpixels. A plurality of scattering shields surround each phosphor subpixel and define a subpixel volume. The scattering shields reduce the number of scattered electrons exiting from their corresponding subpixel volume. This reduces the number of scattered electrons from charging internal insulating surfaces in the envelope, as well as striking the non-corresponding phosphor subpixels.

Abstract: Short circuit detection is performed on a plate structure (10) in which a group of first electrical conductors (32) are nominally electrically insulated from, and cross, a group of second electrical conductors (48). In particular, a magnetic current-sensing operation is performed on at least part of the conductors to produce current data indicative of how much, if any, current flows through each of at least part of the conductors. The current data is then examined to determined whether there appears to be a short circuit defect at any location where one of the first conductors crosses one of the second conductors.

Abstract: A device (16) for sensing current flowing in a generally flat plate structure (10) contains a magnetic head (18) and signal processing circuitry (20). The magnetic head (a) senses changes in current-induced magnetic flux as the head is positioned over the plate structure and (b) provides a head output signal. The signal processing circuitry processes the head output signal to produce a data signal indicative of how much current appears to flow in the plate structure below the head. A driving voltage, which typically varies in a periodic manner to produce a characteristic signature, is applied to a primary conductor in the plate structure. A location sensor, typically formed with a light source (100) and a light sensor (102), detects the position of the magnetic head relative to the plate structure. A gas-cushion mechanism (80-98) controls the height of the head above the plate structure.

Abstract: A probability analysis technique is performed on magnetically obtained current data to detect short circuit defects in a plate structure (10) in which a group of first electrical conductors (32) are nominally electrically insulated from and cross a group of second electrical conductors (48). In particular, a magnetic current-sensing operation is performed on at least part of the conductors to produce current data indicative of how much, if any, current flows through each of at least part of the conductors. A short circuit defect probability analysis is then applied to the current data in order to select a location where one of the first conductors crosses one of the second conductors as being most probable of having a short circuit defect.

Abstract: An electrode (12 or 30) of an electron-emitting device has a plurality of openings (16 or 60) spaced laterally apart from one another. The openings can be used, as needed, in selectively separating one or more parts of the electrode from the remainder of the electrode during corrective test directed towards repairing any short-circuit defects that may exist between the electrode and other overlying or underlying electrodes. When the electrode with the openings is an emitter electrode (12), each opening (16) normally extends fully across an overlying control electrode (30). When the electrode with the openings is a control electrode (30), each opening (60) normally extends fully across an underlying emitter electrode (12). The short-circuit repair procedure typically entails directing light energy on appropriate portions of the electrode with the openings.

Abstract: A flat-panel display contains a pair of plate structures (40 and 42) coupled together to form a sealed enclosure. A spacer (44) is situated in the enclosure for resisting external forces exerted on the display. The spacer is formed with a main spacer portion (60), typically shaped like a wall, and a face electrode (66) situated over a face of the main spacer portion. The face electrode causes electrons moving from one of the plate structures to the other to be deflected in such a manner as to compensate for other electron deflection caused by the presence of the spacer. The face electrode is divided into multiple laterally separated segments (66.sub.1 -66.sub.N) to improve the accuracy of the compensation along the length of the spacer. In fabricating the display, a masking step is typically utilized in defining the widths of the segments of the face electrode.

Abstract: A device (16) for sensing current flowing in a generally flat plate structure (10) contains a magnetic head (18) and signal processing circuitry (20). The magnetic head (a) senses changes in current-induced magnetic flux as the head is positioned over the plate structure and (b) provides a head output signal. The signal processing circuitry processes the head output signal to produce a data signal indicative of how much current appears to flow in the plate structure below the head. A driving voltage, which typically varies in a periodic manner to produce a characteristic signature, is applied to a primary conductor in the plate structure. A location sensor, typically formed with a light source (100) and a light sensor (102), detects the position of the magnetic head relative to the plate structure. A gas-cushion mechanism (80-98) controls the height of the head above the plate structure.

Abstract: A flat-panel display having a backplate structure (330), a faceplate structure (320), and a spacer (340) situated between the two plate structures is configured so that the electric potential field along the spacer approximates the potential field that would be present at the same location in free space, i.e., in the absence of the spacer, between the two plate structures. Consequently, the presence of the spacer does not significantly affect the trajectories of electrons moving from the backplate structure to the faceplate structures. Alternatively, the spacer is arranged to produce electron deflection that largely compensates for undesired electron deflection which occurs during earlier electron travel from the backplate structure to the faceplate structure. The net electron deflection is small.

Abstract: A flat panel display has a faceplate structure, a backplate structure, a focusing structure, and a plurality of spacers. The backplate structure includes an electron emitting structure which faces the faceplate structure. The focusing structure has a first surface coupled to the electron emitting structure, and a second surface which extends away from the electron emitting structure. The electrical end of the combination of the focusing structure and the electron emitting structure is located at an imaginary plane located intermediate the first and second surfaces of the focusing structure. A spacers is located between the focusing structure and the light emitting structure. The spacer is typically located within a corresponding groove in the focusing structure such that the electrical end of the spacer is coincident with the electrical end of the combination of the focusing structure and the electron emitting structure.

Abstract: A voltage-adjustment section (20) of an electronic device converts an input control voltage (V.sub.1) into an output control voltage (V.sub.0) in such a way that a collector current (I.sub.CP) form with electrons emitted from an emitter (EP) of an emission/collection cell (26), or triode, varies in a desired, typically linear, manner with the input control voltage. The triode further includes a collector (CP) that carries the collector current and a gate electrode (GP) that regulates the collector current as a function of the output control voltage. Control of the collector current so as to achieve the desired current/voltage relationship is achieved with an analog control loop containing the triode and an amplifier (28) coupled between the triode's collector and gate electrode. The triode thus typically has a linear gamma characteristic relative to the input control voltage. The voltage-adjustment section is suitable for use in a display device such as a flat-panel display.

Abstract: A flat panel display includes a faceplate and an opposing backplate. The two are sealed together and a sealed envelope is created that includes an active area of length L.sub.1. The active layer includes addressable pixels on the faceplate. Spacers are perpendicular to the faceplate and backplate. The length of a spacer is in a direction parallel to the plane of the faceplate. At least one spacer is positioned in the envelope and provides rigidity to the display. This is required because of the high vacuum which is maintained within the envelope. One or more electrodes are formed on an exterior surface of the spacer. The electrodes extend a length of L.sub.2 along a side of the spacer that is at least equal to L.sub.1. Voltages applied to the electrodes are controlled to achieve a desired voltage distribution between the backplate and the faceplate. The electrode is made of a material with a sheet resistance of less than about 10.sup.5 to 10.sup.7 .OMEGA./.quadrature..