Abstract: A flat display apparatus has a substrate, a plurality of pointed cathodes formed on the substrate, a planar anode facing toward the cathodes via a vacuum space, and a light emitting layer on the side of the anode which is opposite from the cathodes. The anode has a plurality of projections in positions corresponding to the cathodes. The anode projections reduce electron scatter to improve light emission from the light emitting layer. In another embodiment of the flat display apparatus, a plurality of electron sources are disposed on the substrate and positioned relative to one another in an alternately staggered vertical positional sequence toward a light emitting member so that electrons are successively amplified.

Abstract: A series of improved electron multipliers is shown which are capable of reducing the number of bombardments per unit area. In the preferred embodiment, the inner channel is significantly increased in surface area over that surface area of present-day multipliers. Because the surface area is increased, for the same charge throughout, the number of electron bombardments per unit area is decreased. Since the number of bombardments per unit area is reduced, there is less degradation on the inner surface of the channel and hence the device lifetime is also increased.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for forming a photocathode having high quantum yield which comprises the first step of making a number of fine concavities and convexities in a surface of a substrate finished substantially in a mirror; the second step of blunting the fine concavities and convexities; and the third step of coating a photoelectron emissive material on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiplier structure having a very compact shape and which can have the output electrodes of the channels arranged in any random direction. The multiplying structure (94) is a ceramic block obtained by baking a stack of ceramic sheets prepared beforehand with a view to forming cavities includes in the mass. Each cavity (21) is covered by a metal deposit connected to a lateral contact (23) by a conductor (24) printed beforehand on the corresponding sheet. The channels can have special geometries in order to have their output on several different surfaces (41, 46, 47) of the multiplying structure.

Abstract: An X-ray image intensifier tube includes a scintillator screen for converting ionizing radiation into light radiation or near-visible radiation, a microchannel array for achieving electron multiplication, and a photoelectrode positioned directly on an input face of the microchannel array. The input face of the microchannel array is coated with an electrically conductive layer which directly contacts the photocathode. The present design eliminates strict spacing requirements between the photocathode and the microchannel array and allows the photocathode and the microchannel array to operate at a single potential rather than requiring separate potentials. The requirement of a separate support for the scintillator screen is also obviated since the scintillator screen is formed on the input face of the microchannel array.

Abstract: Picture display device having a vacuum envelope for displaying pictures composed of pixels on a luminescent screen, comprising a plurality of juxtaposed sources for producing electrons, local electron ducts cooperating with the sources and having walls of electrically insulating material with a secondary emission coefficient suitable for electron transport for transporting, through vacuum, produced electrons in the form of electron currents through juxtaposed trajectories at a short distance from the luminescent screen, and means for withdrawing each electron current at predetermined locations from its duct and directing it towards a desired location on the luminescent screen for producing a picture composed of pixels.

Abstract: A multiple electron emission device having a substrate, a pair of opposed electrodes disposed on the substrate, and an electron emission section formed with grains between the electrodes. Selected portions of the electron emission section are coated with a conductor, semiconductor or insulating material by mask deposition or the like so as to divide the electron emission section into a dotted or linear array of electron emitting portions.

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: A device for controlling beams of particles, X-rays and gamma rays including a plurality of channels with total external reflection inner surfaces, input butt-ends facing a radiation source and output butt-ends aimed at a radiation receiver is taught. Channel-forming elements are in the form of surfaces, tubes, and structures with multiple channels and are rigidly positioned one relative to another with a spacing between supports such that the sagging of the channel-forming elements does not interfere with beam propagation. The device can be used to capture radiation from sources which produce parallel or divergent radiation. The resulting beam or beams can be of a variety of shapes or angular orientations including quasi-parallel, convergent, and split beams.

Abstract: A conductively cooled microchannel plate is disclosed. Cooling is achieved by placing an active face of the MCP in thermal contact with a thermally conductive substrate for dissipating joule heating.

Abstract: A pulse generator for producing high-energy, subnanosecond electromagnetic pulses. The generator comprises a pulsed cathode assembly (160) which includes a microchannel-plate electron multiplier (150) triggered by a low-intensity, pulsed electron beam. An intense, pulsed electron beam obtained from the cathode assembly is directed through aperture (71) in waveguiding structure (170). It generates electromagnetic pulses, which are carried by the waveguiding structure to load (130).

Abstract: An input screen for radiological image intensifier tube that includes a scintillator (12), deposited on an aluminum substrate (10), which converts incident X-photons into visible photons which then go on to excite a photocathode (16). Previously, the luminous photons produced by the scintillator were emitted towards and were reflected by the aluminum layer; but this reflection reduces the resolution. According to the invention, in order to suppress this reflection, an input screen--in which a thin layer (20), transparent or slightly absorbent to the wavelengths emitted by the scintillator and or size to cause an anti-reflecting effect--is interposed between the aluminum substrate and the scintillator. Choices of anti-reflecting slightly absorbent layer include indium oxide, or alternatively antimony, tin or bismuth oxide, or a combination of these oxides, such as indium-tin oxide. The thickness is from a few hundred to a few thousand angstroms.

Abstract: A microchannel plate device utilizing a semiconducting bulk material is cacterized by electron emissions of high output current density and efficiency. The channel passages in the plate device which are square in cross-section accommodates a larger open area ratio at the input and output plate surfaces. An extended range of high electron emission applications for the plate device is provided. Such applications may include a photocathode installation to which a modulation pulse input is applied under low voltages isolated from high post-accelerating voltages.

Abstract: A channel electron multiplier phototube having a channel electron multiplier, a transparent faceplate, and an anode assembly. The channel electron multiplier includes an insulating body having a curved passageway extending therethrough. A photoemissive element, and a secondary emissive dynode material is on the walls of the passageway. The passageway, together with a photoemission film of the photocathode assembly and the anode of the anode assembly define an evacuated closed region. Preferably, the electron multiplier is a monolithic ceramic body.

Abstract: A mount for attaching an electrode system, which focusses electrons generated upon the incidence of x-rays on an input luminescent screen onto an output luminescent screen, to an exterior housing of the intensifier is formed by annular electrodes which telescopically engage and which are held together at overlapping regions by a clamped connection. The mount has a simple structure which minimizes the possibility of the electrode system getting out of adjustment, and also significantly decreases the assembly time during manufacture of the x-ray image intensifier.

Abstract: Microchannel plates (MCPs) and channel electron multipliers (CEMs) having channels etched by a directionally applied flux of reactive particles are disclosed. The channels are activated with thin film dynodes. Various embodiments including monolithic and stacked devices are disclosed. Activation of the channels is achieved by various techniques including CVD, LPD and native growth by oxidation.

Abstract: A photomultiplier tube comprising a photocathode (10), focusing electrodes (12, 12') and a fast multiplier structure (20) having a large input surface relative to the photocathode and comprising at least one input dynode (21). According to the invention, said photomultiplier tube comprises, between the photocathode (10) and said focusing multiplier structure (20), a first multiplier stage (30) comprising, in succession and viewed from the assembly consisting of the photocathode (10) and the focusing electrodes (12, 12'), a grid (31), a first multiplier dynode (32) of the apertured-plate type, and an extracting grid (33) having the same pattern as said first multiplier dynode (32), the output of the extracting grid (33) being coupled to said input dynode (21) of the multiplier pattern by means of a focusing electrode (40).

Abstract: A modular channel electron multiplier mounting arrangement for an analytical instrument, which reduces the labor required for assembly and, at the same time, results in a more rigid structure with lower susceptibility to microphonic noise has been developed. A circuit board and an attached end support has slotted portions for engaging support studs on the instrument. A channel electron multiplier is mounted on the circuit board by means of supporting hardware. Printed circuit wiring on the circuit board carries signal and high voltage to receptacles on the circuit board which when installed in the instrument are aligned for securely engaging leads in the instrument. The end support and the receptacles rigidly support the assembly in the instrument such that microphonics noise is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A segmented electron multiplier is disclosed with front and rear sections. The sections are specially designed so that the length of the rear section compared to the length of the front section is no less than 4:1. This permits multiple replacements of the rear section, after the multiplier wears out, without any unsatisfactory drop in the overall electrical gain produced by the repaired device. In the preferred embodiment, the front portion is a funnel having a tubular stem, and the rear portion is a straight tube with a cylindrical helical inner channel. The length-to-length split is 5:1, which theoretically permits up to six or seven replacements of the rear section before unsatisfactory gain occurs.

Abstract: A photomultiplier tube (10) for the use in high collecting power is described having a photocathode (20), a first dynode (30) and a stackable-dynode multiplier device (40). According to the invention, the first dynode (30) is constituted by a sheet which extends parallel to the photocathode (20) and is provided with a feedthrough aperture (31), an extracting grid (32) being arranged between the photocathode (20) and the sheet, and the stackable-dynode multiplier device (40) is positioned opposite the aperture (30) in such a manner as to collect the secondary electrons (50) emitted by the first dynode (30) and passing through the feedthrough aperture (31).

Abstract: A picture analyser tube with streak compensation constituted by a light intensifier tube structure comprising a photocathode (1) associated with an acceleration grid (2) and a microchannel plate (3) associated with an acceleration grid (4) coupled to an electron-sensitive (6) or photosensitive objects (7) CCD matrix. The wire compensation effect is obtained, for example, by deflecting the electron beam issued by the photocathode (1) by means of electromagnetic coils (5) traversed by currents the intensities of which are controlled in order that the deflection movement of the said beam is opposite to the movement of the picture during the duration of the passage of the object in the field of view of the device. The picture is thus immobilized in the plane of the CCD detector.

Abstract: An electron tube comprising a stack of at least one perforate plate-shaped insulating element and at least one perforate plate-shaped metal electrode structure, the insulating element comprising a core and being provided with an aluminium layer at least on a side facing the electrode structure, at least the outer layer of the aluminium layer being oxidized, and the coefficients of thermal expansion of the core and the electrode structure being at least substantially equal. In this manner, the thermal stresses occurring between the insulating element and the electrode structure during firing are reduced, so that the risk of their displacement relative to each other is reduced.

Abstract: A simultaneous positive and negative ion detector including a microchannel plate having segments which are biased to attract positively and negatively charged particles.

Abstract: An ion detector in which conversion dynode means are placed near a microchannel plate means for receiving and amplifying converted ions.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a funnel portion of a secondary electron multiplying tube in a secondary electron multiplier. In the supporting structure for the funnel portion, a support member has a circular contact element for supporting an end face of a mouth of the funnel, and nails formed along the outer periphery of the circular contact element so as to grasp the mouth end portion of the funnel from the outside thereof. A press member is welded to the support member into which the funnel portion is inserted. The posture and position of the funnel portion are correctly determined in relation to an opening of a Farady cup, by fixing the support member to a casing of the secondary electron multiplier.

Abstract: Reduced ion feedback in an electron multiplier (EM) is achieved by applying a higher than normal bias voltage to the EM and degassing the EM with a relatively high concentration of self-generated particles as a result of the applied bias voltage.

Abstract: A channel electron multiplier phototube having a channel electron multiplier, a photocathode assembly, and an anode assembly. The channel electron multiplier includes an insulating body having a curved passageway extending therethrough. A secondary emissive dynode material is on the walls of the passageway. The passageway, together with a photoemission film of the photocathode assembly and the anode of the anode assembly define an evacuated closed region. Preferably, the electron multiplier is a monolithic ceramic body.

Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy apparatus employing a detector to detect emission of electrons resulting from the impingement of electrons of an electron beam on an object being viewed, the apparatus including an electron beam source providing the electron beam, a magnet providing a magnetic field to direct the electron beam to the object, a first microchannel plate having a first hole through it aligned with the electron beam, a first surface directed toward the electron beam source for receiving low energy electrons that have been emitted from the object and directed through the hole by the magnetic field, a second surface on the opposite side of side first microchannel plate for discharge of multiplied electrons, and a first anode facing the second surface, the first anode being positioned to collect electrons discharged from the second surface.

Abstract: Channel electron multipliers, including microchannel plates, with alternating layers of deposited conductive and insulative material, the conductive material and insulative material having, at holes therethrough in registry, secondary emission coefficients respectively of greater than one and less than one.

Abstract: In order to reduce contrast degradation in an electrostatically scanned flat cathode ray tube having a channel plate electron multiplier, due to back-scattered electrons entering channels remote from their origin, a coating of a material having a low back-scatter coefficient is applied over the input of the electron multiplier between the apertures therein. The surface texture of the material should be microscopically rough. The material can be applied to the first dynode or to an electrode electrically and physically connected to the first dynode. The acceptance angle of the channel plate electron multiplier may also be restricted.

Abstract: A conductively cooled microchannel plate is disclosed. Cooling is achieved by placing an active face of the MCP in thermal contact with a thermally conductive substrate for dissipating joule heating.

Abstract: A method is provided for depositing a conducting electrode on the output face of a microchannel plate and into the output end of each channel. The electrode is vapor deposited by a method which ensures that the material impinges on the output face from random angles relative to the axis of each channel. A layer (10) of tapering thickness is formed down each channel. When used in an image intensifier tube, for example, the output beam of electrons from each channel is more collimated and the resolution of the tube is improved.

Abstract: A microchannel electron multiplier is formed by placing into a glass tube a plurality of bundles optical fibers, each having an etchable glass core and a glass cladding which is non-etchable when subjected to the conditions used for etching the core material. The fiber bundles located around the inside edge of the glass tube are replaced by support fibers having both a core and a cladding of a material which is non-etchable under the above-described conditions. The assembly of the tube, bundles and support fibers is heated to fuse the tube, bundles and support fibers together. The etchable core material is then removed and the assembly sliced into wafers. The inner surface of each of the claddings which bound the channel formed after removal of the core material is rendered electron emissive by reduction of the lead oxide by hydrogen gas. Metal films are deposited onto the opposed surfaces of each of the wafers to form contacts.

Abstract: In order to reduce contrast degradation in an electrostatically scanned flat cathode ray tube having a channel plate electron multiplier due to back-scattered electrons entering channels remote from their origin, steps are taken to restrict the acceptance angle of the channel plate electron multiplier. In one arrangement means are provided on the input surface to restrict the angle of entry to a range normally associated with the addressing electron beam. In another arrangement the ready emission of secondary electrons is restricted to a predetermined arcuate portion of the input of each channel of the electron multiplier. In either arrangement stray electrons are unable to impinge upon the secondary emitting material in the channels and in consequence produce many fewer back-scattered electrons.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting the one-dimensional position of incidence of particle beams. The apparatus comprisesa microchannel plate having a portion that forms a strip conductor for a microstrip line, an electrode on the output surface that is formed of a plurality of stripes that extend from said strip conductor forming portion in the form of spaced comb teeth, and a ground conductor that is associated with said strip conductor;an operating power source that supplies an operating voltage to each component of said microchannel plate; andan incident position detector circuit that picks up an output signal from both ends of said strip conductor and which estimates, on the basis of the difference between the times at which said output signals were generated, the position of incidence of particle beams that encountered the surface of incidence of said microchannel plate.

Abstract: A charged particle detector comprises a micro-channel plate for detecting charged particles secondarily generated from a specimen irradiated with a narrowly defined beam of charged particles, a signal outputting circuit for transmitting therein a signal detected by the micro-channel plate and then outputting the signal, and a processing circuit for simultaneously outputting signals of secondary charged particles generated from the specimen at the same instant of time. Preferably, the processing circuit is constructed by a vortex-shaped electrode or the combination of concentric electrode segments and delaying elements.

Abstract: A multistage, proximity type, radiation image intensifier tube having improved performance characteristics and more rugged construction is provided. A scintillator assembly is comprised of a first ceramic, cellular substrate defining an array of hexagonally shaped cells. The cell walls taper to an edge and are coated with a conductive material such as aluminum. The cells are filled with a scintillation material such as cesium iodide. A first flat photocathode is provided adjacent the first substrate. An intermediate assembly spaced from the scintillator assembly is provided comprised of a second ceramic, cellular substrate similar to the first. The cell walls are coated with a conductive material such as aluminum. A support layer is mounted to the substrate on an end opposite the scintillator assembly. A first flat phosphor display screen is mounted to the support layer on a side internal the second substrate. A second photocathode is provided adjacent the second substrate.

Abstract: An electron multiplier device consists of an insulating substrate having, a plurality of through-holes, a first secondary electron emission layer and a second secondary electron emission layer or a conductive layer, and a DC electric field is applied to the first secondary electron emission layer with respect to the second latter secondary electron emission layer or conductive layer.

Abstract: An improved streak camera in which a microchannel plate electron multiplier is used in place of or in combination with the photocathode used in prior streak cameras. The improved streak camera is far more sensitive to photons (UV to gamma-rays) than the conventional x-ray streak camera which uses a photocathode. The improved streak camera offers gamma-ray detection with high temporal resolution. It also offers low-energy x-ray detection without attenuation inside the cathode. Using the microchannel plate in the improved camera has resulted in a time resolution of about 150 ps, and has provided a sensitivity sufficient for 1000 KeV x-rays.

Abstract: Electron multiplier element for secondary emission, consisting of a first metal plate (11) which has at least one multiplier hole (12) having one input aperture (13) and one output aperture (14), and a second metal plate (16) in parallel with the first plate (11) which has at least one auxiliary hole (17) disposed opposite the output aperture (14) of the multiplier hole (12). The second plate (16) being brought to an electric potential (V1) which is higher than the electric potential (V0) of the first plate. The apertures (13, 14) are such that the projection (18) of the output aperture (14) of the multiplier hole (12) in a plane which is parallel to the first metal plate (11) is at least partially located outside the corresponding projection (19) of the input aperture (13).

Abstract: In one voltage-driven embodiment, a high spatial resolution two-dimensional array of bistable completely cross-talk free light modulation elements is constituted as a lamination of an input two-dimensional photoconductor thin film layer and an output two-dimensional electroluminescent phosphor thin film layer disposed in etched wells individually defined in corresponding cores of the optical fibers of a fiber optic face plate. In another voltage-driven embodiment, a very low cost high spatial resolution 2-D array of bistable substantially cross-talk free light modulation elements is constituted as a lamination of a photoconductor thin film layer, a selectively dimensioned and apertured opaque masking thin film layer, and an electroluminescent phosphor thin film layer.

Abstract: The disclosed charge transfer signal processor includes a vacuum housing having an input face and a output face, a 2-D electromagnetic input means cooperative with said input face for providing a 2-D input electronic charge signal within the vacuum housing, transfer means for imaging the 2-D input electronic charge signal in a region of the vacuum housing proximate the vacuum housing output face, and charge feedthrough means coupled to the vacuum housing output face for transferring the imaged 2-D electronic charge signal externally to the vacuum housing. In one embodiment, the charge transfer signal processor is operable as a Gen-I charge transfer amplifier. In another embodiment, a microchannel plate assembly is dThis invention was made with Government support under Contract F19628-84-C-0048 awarded by the Department of the Air Force. The government has certain rights in the invention.

Abstract: Color display apparatus including a color display tube in which a single electron beam is scanned in television raster fashion across the input surface of an electron multiplier (16) adjacent a screen (14) comprising a repeating pattern of three different color phosphors, and in which deflection of the beam emanating from the multiplier onto respective ones of the three phosphors is controlled by color selection electrodes (38, 40) adjacent output apertures of the multiplier. The apparatus includes driving circuitry using line stores (64) which performs line scanning at three times the standard rate and controls switching of the color selection electrodes so as to display in turn the three color components of each standard picture line during the standard line period. Vertical scanning may be effected continuously or in stepped fashion.

Abstract: In a display tube a laminated dynode channel plate electron multiplier (16) produces at its channel outputs (50) a current-multiplied beam (34) in response to an electron beam being scanned thereover which is accelerated towards a phosphor screen (14) comprising repeating groups of different color phosphor elements and selectively directed onto particular elements by color selection deflector electrodes (38,40) adjacent the channel outputs. To provide increased horizontal resolution capability the exits (50) of the apertures in the final dynode are elongate in shape, other dynodes having circular apertures, and arranged parallel to one another with their longer axes extending vertically to form a comparatively narrow horizontal width output beam. The final dynode aperture entrances may be similarly elongate or circular with the apertures having a re-entrant profile.

Abstract: A microchannel plate has a platelike photosensitive glass substrate and a plurality of microchannels formed separately from each other and extending across the thickness of the substrate. A secondary electron-emission surface is formed on an inner surface of each of the microchannels. Accelerating electrodes formed on two opposite sides of the photosensitive glass substrate, so as to be partially in electrical contact with the secondary-emission surface. The microchannels are formed by applying ultraviolet rays to the substrate through a mask and removing irradiated portions of the substrate by etching.

Abstract: In a cathode ray display tube including a screen carried on a flat faceplate of an envelope and a channel plate electron multiplier arranged parallel to, and spaced from, the screen having an input side across which an electron beam is scanned and an output side from which a current multiplied beam is directed onto the screen, the multiplier is supported away from the screen by a spacing frame engaging with the periphery of its output side and is clamped against the frame by a pressure member having a plurality of resilient fingers spaced at intervals around the edges of the multiplier and engaging with the input side thereof. In this way, minor local surface profile variations of the multiplier are accomodated. The fingers serve also as contacts for the input side electrode of the multiplier.

Abstract: A channel electron multiplier having a semiconductive secondary emissive coating on the walls of said channel wherein said electron multiplier is a monolithic ceramic body and said channel therein preferably is three dimensional.

Abstract: In a cathode ray display tube having a glass faceplate carrying a screen thereon including a screen electrode and an electron multiplier disposed adjacent the screen for current-multiplying an electron beam directed onto the screen, a low profile termination arrangement for establishing electrical connection with the screen electrode and a multiplier electrode comprises respective, spaced, thick film conductive tracks on the inner surface of the faceplate and bordering the screen connected at lead-in portions thereof with conductor means, e.g. conductive epoxy, in apertures extending through the faceplate via metal sealing discs.

Abstract: An electrostatic decelerating and scan expansion lens system (10) includes a mesh element (56) and operates in a cathode-ray tube (12) that incorporates a microchannel plate (24). The lens system is positioned downstream of the deflection structure (42 and 44) and provides linear magnification of the electron beam deflection angle. The mesh element is formed in the shape of a convex surface as viewed in the direction of travel of the electron beam (40) to provide a field with equipotential surfaces (100) of decreasing potential in the direction of electron beam travel. Secondary emission electrons generated by the mesh element as it intercepts the electron beam, are therefore, directed back toward the lens system and not toward the microchannel plate. Only the beam electrons strike the microchannel plate, which provides on the phosphorescent display (20) an image of high brightness, free from spurious light patterns.