Abstract: An electron source includes a negative electron affinity photocathode on a light-transmissive substrate and a light beam generator for directing a light beam through the substrate at the photocathode for exciting electrons into the conduction band. The photocathode has at least one active area for emission of electrons with dimensions of less than about two micrometers. The electron source further includes electron optics for forming the electrons into an electron beam and a vacuum enclosure for maintaining the photocathode at high vacuum. In one embodiment, the active emission area of the photocathode is defined by the light beam that is incident on the photocathode. In another embodiment, the active emission area of the photocathode is predefined by surface modification of the photocathode. The source provides very high brightness from an ultra-small active emission area of the photocathode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low noise microchannel plate which limits feedback includes creating a conductive layer on the output side of the microchannel plate so that portions of the open areas in the output end are closed off.

Abstract: A focused electron/bombarded (FEB) ion detector comprising an MCP, focusing means, and a collection anode disposed in a detector body. The collector anode includes a diode for receiving the focused output electron beam from the MCP. The gain between the input ion current to the MCP and the detector output signal from the diode is on the order of 1-100 million, depending on the device configuration and applied biasing voltages. A hybrid photomultiplier tube includes a photocathode, a photodiode for collecting and multiplying electrons emitted by the photocathode and providing an output signal and electrodes for focusing the electrons on the photodiode. A vacuum envelope encloses a vacuum region between photocathode and the detector. A conductor disposed on or adjacent to a sidewall of the vacuum envelope reduces the effect of electrical charges on the inside wall of the vacuum envelope on the trajectories of the electrons.

Abstract: A focused electron-bombarded (FEB) ion detector comprising an MCP, focusing means, and a collection anode disposed in a detector body. The collection anode includes a diode for receiving the focused output electron beam from the MCP. The gain between the input ion current to the MCP and the detector output signal from the diode is on the order of 1-100 million, depending on the device configuration and applied biasing voltages.

Abstract: A low noise microchannel plate limiting feedback includes a conductive deposit on an output side for reducing open areas at an output end of the plate. The microchannel plate can be included in an image intensifier tube.

Abstract: An improved transferred electron III-V semiconductor photocathode comprising an aluminum contact pad and an aluminum grid structure that improves quantum efficiency by removing a major obstacle to electrons escaping into the vacuum and controls dark spot blooming caused by overly bright photon emission sources.

Abstract: Shown is an integral two-stage vacuum tube with means for efficient optical coupling of the light from an output screen of the first stage into the photocathode of the second stage.

Abstract: A gear box having five forward speeds having an input shaft a lay shaft and a main shaft, the arrangement of the gear box being such that under drive, the input and main shafts are thrust towards one another.