Abstract: A spark gap switch for controlling the output of a high voltage pulse from a high voltage source, for example, a capacitor bank or a pulse forming network, to an external load such as a high gradient electron gun, laser, pulsed power accelerator or wide band radar. The combination of a UV laser and a high vacuum quartz cell, in which a photocathode and an anode are installed, is utilized as triggering devices to switch the spark gap from a non-conducting state to a conducting state with low delay and low jitter.

Abstract: Diamond-like carbon field emission surfaces, including associated devices and methods for using such devices are disclosed. In one aspect, for example, a field emission surface is provided, including a smooth layer of diamond-like carbon disposed on a smooth substrate, the diamond-like carbon layer having a uniformly distributed ablation pattern configured to emit electrons. The diamond-like carbon layer should be smooth in order to allow the uniform distribution of the ablation pattern.

Abstract: A vacuum switch apparatus has an electrically insulating vacuum enclosure which is evacuated to a vacuum degree of 2.times.10.sup.-2 Torr or less. One set of anode and cathode electrodes is arranged in the vacuum enclosure, having capacity which permits the flow of a discharge current of at least 1 KA therebetween and being operable to switch the discharge current at least 10.sup.6 shots. A high voltage power supply applies a high voltage of at least 20 KV across the anode and cathode electrodes. An electron beam irradiation unit irradiates an electron beam on the anode electrode through the cathode electrode. A control electrode is arranged between the beam irradiation unit and the cathode electrode, for controlling passage and interception of the electron beam. A control voltage power supply applies a control voltage to the control electrode.

Abstract: An X-ray generator comprises an anode (4) and a cathode (10) disposed in an enclosure (2) under low helium pressure and powered by an electric pulse generator (20) providing sufficient voltage in order to generate runaway electrons. The emission face of the cathode is a section of an emission plate (10) constituted by a carbon felt whose fibers have a privileged orientation perpendicular to said face in order to encourage the emission of electrons from said face. The invention is particularly applicable to pre-ionizing the discharge chamber of a gas laser.

Abstract: A vacuum-to-air interface (10) is provided for a high-powered, pulsed particle beam accelerator. The interface comprises a pneumatic high speed gate valve (18), from which extends a vacuum-tight duct (26), that termintes in an aperture (28). Means (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) are provided for periodically advancing a foil strip (30) across the aperture (28) at the repetition rate of the particle pulses. A pneumatically operated hollow sealing band (62) urges foil strip (30), when stationary, against and into the aperture (28). Gas pressure means (68, 70) periodically lift off and separate foil strip (30) from aperture (28), so that it may be readily advanced.

Abstract: An electrodeless discharge resonance lamp for producing light by microwave excitation of gas molecules is disclosed. The lamp comprises a head having a passage therethrough and a gas inlet port in communication with the passage. A window is removable mounted in the passage and a collimator is removably mounted in the passage adjacent and exterior to the window. Gas flow tubing is positioned in the passaged such that one end of the tubing is located between the gas inlet port and the window and the other end of the tubing extends out of the opposite passage. The tubing is smaller than the inside diameter of the passage to allow gas to flow therebetween. Finally, there are means for removably securing the tubing in place and microwave excitation means in communication with the tubing adjacent and exterior to the head.

Abstract: In a rod array vacuum arc device, conductive protuberances are positioned on the conductive rod support plates. The protuberances positioned on each plate are aligned axially with the opposed rod electrodes. The protuberances increase the dielectric strength of the gap between each plate and the opposed electrode.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gas injected vacuum switch comprising a housing having an interior chamber, a conduit for evacuating the interior chamber, within the chamber an anode and a cathode spaced from the anode, and a detonator for injecting electrically conductive gas into the chamber between the anode and the cathode to provide a current path therebetween.