Abstract: Some embodiments provide an amplifier apparatus, comprising: a plurality of amplifier transistor circuits coupled in series, wherein each of the plurality of amplifier transistor circuits comprises: a transistor, wherein the transistors of the plurality of amplifier transistor circuits are coupled in series; a transistor voltage control and drive circuit coupled with the corresponding transistor, wherein the transistor voltage control and drive circuit is configured to control and drive the corresponding transistor in accordance with received control signals and in parallel with the other of the plurality of amplifier transistor circuits; and isolation circuitry that isolates control of the transistor from control of the other of the amplifier transistor circuits; wherein the plurality of amplifier transistor circuits are configured to be controlled and driven in parallel relative to the control signals.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an amplifier apparatus, comprising: a plurality of amplifier transistor circuits coupled in series, wherein each of the plurality of amplifier transistor circuits comprises: a transistor, wherein the transistors of the plurality of amplifier transistor circuits are coupled in series; a transistor voltage control and drive circuit coupled with the corresponding transistor, wherein the transistor voltage control and drive circuit is configured to control and drive the corresponding transistor in accordance with received control signals and in parallel with the other of the plurality of amplifier transistor circuits; and isolation circuitry that isolates control of the transistor from control of the other of the amplifier transistor circuits; wherein the plurality of amplifier transistor circuits are configured to be controlled and driven in parallel relative to the control signals.

Abstract: An ion generating apparatus utilizing a vacuum chamber with an anode and multiple, selectively operable, cathodes in the chamber. The vacuum chamber is grounded and all but the cathode or cathodes selected for use are grounded to the chamber. The anode is a high-transparency screen, preferably formed from a copper alloy. The cathodes are preferably arranged in a generally circular array, parallel to each other, so that any can be fired by a single trigger cathode assembly positioned adjacent to the array. A linear feed mechanism for moving any cathode toward the anode as cathode material is consumed may be provided.