Abstract: A structure associated with a ceramic envelope gas filled electron tube whereby a series of concentric holes are formed through grid radiator rings which thus simulates the outer neutral gas region of a typical glass envelope tube structure. In this manner, one has created a neutral non-ionized gas flow path which shunts the main discharge in such a thyratron and which is contained within the metal internal axial structure. The apertures, as formed in the grid radiator rings, thereby provide a source path for neutral molecular hydrogen from the gas reservoir located at the base of the tube to allow the gas to be directed to the anode/grid region of the tube, where electrons are pumped and the gas is collisionally ionized. The effect serves to enhance the maximum thyratron operating frequency by allowing cool neutral gas molecules to flow into the gap region through the parallel path and then into the discharge volume of the ceramic thyratron tube.

Abstract: A laser arrangement includes electron beam apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes, each of which having an aperture therethrough. The apertures are aligned along the longitudinal axis of an envelope which surrounds them and contains gas. The electrodes are electrically connected such that, of an adjacent pair, one is at a lower potential than the other. An electron beam is produced between the first electrode and an adjacent electrode, and is accelerated along the axis through the apertures, the electron current increasing in magnitude. The electron beam produced is used to provide pumping powder to the gas contained within the envelope such that it acts as a laser amplifying medium.

Abstract: A gas discharge device includes an anode, an enclosure member having an aperture therein and substantially enclosing a volume of a gas filling, and a mechanism for injecting electrons into the volume of gas filling to produce ionization of the gas filling within the volume so that during operation of the device, the enclosure member and the ionization within the enclosure member constitute a cathode, and a conduction path is established between the interior of such cathode and the anode through the aperture of the enclosure member.

Abstract: A thyratron includes an envelope containing a gas filling, an anode, an intermediate grid, control grids and a cylindrical structure which acts as a cathode heat shield in a conventional thyratron. In operation the intermediate grid is maintained at cathode potential and, when triggering pulses are applied to the control grids, the gas filling ionizes and the thyratron becomes conducting. The main part of the current comes from the intermediate grid which acts as a "hollow" cathode, and enables the thermionic cathode conventionally used to be dispensed with if desired.

Abstract: Thyratrons have an anode and cathode with a control grid lying between them. A primary grid located between the control grid and cathode may be used to maintain a primary discharge between it and the cathode, and improve the operating characteristics of the thyratron. However, the primary discharge may penetrate into the region where the main discharge occurs and hence increase the probability of premature triggering of the thyratron.By employing the invention, the penetration of the primary discharge into the main discharge region is reduced.A primary grid comprises two elements which have apertures. The elements are arranged so that the apertures in one element do not overlap those in the other. Thus the primary discharge which penetrates through the first element is prevented from reaching the main discharge region by the second element.

Abstract: The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating on its inner surface, enclosing a single electrode including a thermionic cathode for emitting electrons and an integral anode for accelerating the electrons and forming an electron beam, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation. The electrode configuration provides for use of a single power source and minimal number of power leads. In addition, a separate cathode heater filament is not required.

Abstract: The invention provides a glass enveloped thyratron having an anode carried by an anode pin extending through a glass neck in the thyratron envelope and forming a pant leg. The anode is surrounded by a screening box operated at cathode potential which has a back plate with a tubular portion extending away from the anode into the interior of said pant leg to surround said anode pin. The outer surface of the extremity of the pant leg is flared outwardly adjacent the back plate into engagement with a mounting collar secured to the rear of the back plate. The tubular portion of the back plate extends within the pant leg for a distance substantially greater than the extent to which the pant leg is enclosed by the mounting collar.

Abstract: A flat-panel gas discharge cathodoluminescent display includes a plurality of mutually parallel, electron-transmissive accelerator electrodes respectively connected to sources of high positive voltage levels to increase the acceleration voltage of the display without causing ionization of the gas.