Abstract: A flat tube display is fabricated having internal structural supports running the height of the display at selected periodic intervals. This construction permits light weight face plates and back plates to be used in the construction of displays independent of display size, yet still providing the required strength to withstand atmospheric pressure. By compressing the dot matrix of the first plate of the switching stack, relatively large areas free of the dot matrix are provided whereby the internal supports may be attached without interfering with the operation of the display. The control plates of the flat tube display are psuedo-aligned to the phosphor screen. Electrons are injected into the stack channel comprising plates at successively higher positive potentials so that self-guiding through the channels at 100% transmission is achieved.

Abstract: A flat tube display is fabricated having internal structural supports running the height of the display at selected periodic intervals. This construction permits light weight face plates and back plates to be used in the construction of displays independent of display size, yet still providing the required stength to withstand atmospheric pressure. By compressing the dot matrix of the first plate of the switching stack, relatively large areas free of the dot matrix are provided whereby the internal supports may be attached without interferring with the operation of the display. The control plates of the flat tube display are pseudo-aligned to the phosphor screen. Electrons are injected into the stack channel comprising plates at successively higher positive potentials so that self-guiding through the channels at 100% transmission is achieved. Apertures of the control stack are fabricated into horizontal slots to provide for increased brightness as a result of greater electron transmission through the stack.

Abstract: A plurality of control plates are sandwiched between a cathode and a target to control the flow of charged particles such as electrons and ions between the cathode and the target. Each control plate has a plurality of apertures formed therein which are effectively aligned with corresponding apertures on the other control plates. At least one input buffer plate and one output buffer plate are sandwiched between the control plates and the cathode and target respectively. The input buffer plate and the output buffer plate have a plurality of apertures formed therein aligned with corresponding apertures in the control plates. The aligned apertures form beam channels. The control plates have conductive electrodes thereon arranged at predetermined coded finger patterns. D.C. voltages are applied to the buffer plates to provide electron optic lensing and voltages are selectively applied to the control plate electrodes by switching circuitry to selectively open and close beam channels.

Abstract: A plurality of control plates is sandwiched between a cathode and a target to control the flow of charged particles such as electrons and ions between the cathode and the target. The cathode includes an elongated filament for generating charged particles such as electrons. A first electrode having a negative potential is positioned behind the filament with a second electrode having a positive potential interdigitated with the first electrode. Each control plate has a plurality of apertures formed therein which are effectively aligned with corresponding apertures on the other control plates. The aligned apertures form beam channels. The control plates have paired conductive electrodes thereon arranged at predetermined coded finger patterns.