Abstract: A display and method of making a display, comprising first and second stacked, non-inverted, dielectrically isolated, organic light emitting diodes formed on a silicon on insulator substrate. The display includes a means for applying both a positive or negative voltage across the stack, and a common intermediate control node situated between the diodes. The control node is electrically connected through vias to receive a control voltage signal, such that altering the relationship between the control voltage signal and the voltage applied across the stack regulates the actuation of the individual diodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to display manufacturing technology, especially for a dielectric-free triode field emission display device based on double-gate/single-cathode type electron emission units and the device drive methods. This device comprises parallelly positioned anode and cathode/gate plates, during production, gate/cathode/gate electron emission units are set on the cathode/gate plate side by side. The spacing between cathode and gate electrodes is vacuum circumstance. For each cathode, an anode is positioned on the anode plate, facing the cathode. And the voltages applied on the cathode and gate electrodes are to scan and the anode voltage is to adjust the signal. When the electrodes on the cathode/gate plate take on fixed roles, fixed voltages are used to drive the device. When these electrodes on the cathode/gate plate can be used interchangeably as cathode or gate electrodes, respectively, pulse scanning method is used to drive the device.

Abstract: An MCP unit of the present invention has a triode structure with a structure to achieve a desired time response characteristic independent of restrictions from a channel diameter of MCP, and is provided with an MCP group, a first electrode, a second electrode, an anode, and an acceleration electrode. Particularly, the MCP unit further comprises an electron lens structure for confining reflected electrons emitted from the anode in response to incidence of secondary electrons from the MCP group, within a space between the acceleration electrode and the anode.

Abstract: An MCP unit of the present invention has a triode structure with a structure to achieve a desired time response characteristic independent of restrictions from a channel diameter of MCP, and is provided with an MCP group, a first electrode, a second electrode, an anode, and an acceleration electrode. Particularly, the MCP unit further comprises a ring member between the acceleration electrode and the anode, as s restriction structure for confining reflected electrons emitted from the anode in response to incidence of secondary electrons from the MCP group, within a space between the acceleration electrode and the anode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to display manufacturing technology, especially for a dielectric-free triode field emission display device based on double-gate/single-cathode type electron emission units and the device drive methods. This device comprises parallelly positioned anode and cathode/gate plates, during production, gate/cathode/gate electron emission units are set on the cathode/gate plate side by side. The spacing between cathode and gate electrodes is vacuum circumstance. For each cathode, an anode is positioned on the anode plate, facing the cathode. And the voltages applied on the cathode and gate electrodes are to scan and the anode voltage is to adjust the signal. When the electrodes on the cathode/gate plate take on fixed roles, fixed voltages are used to drive the device. When these electrodes on the cathode/gate plate can be used interchangeably as cathode or gate electrodes, respectively, pulse scanning method is used to drive the device.

Abstract: To provide an image display apparatus having: an electron source; a light-emitting member for emitting a light by irradiation with electrons emitted from the electron source; an anode electrode, which is arranged being opposed to the electron source; a high-voltage generating circuit for generating a potential which rises in a predetermined period; a wiring for connecting the anode electrode to the high-voltage generating circuit; a comparator; a first circuit for applying a first potential satisfying a positive correlation with the potential on the wiring to the comparator; and a second circuit for applying a second potential, which continuously rises or rises in stepwise manner in the predetermined period, to the comparator. The comparator outputs a result of comparison between the first potential and the second potential.

Abstract: A discharge tube is driven by a multiple-phase drive circuit, and includes a discharge container having an internal discharge space and multiple electrodes that are secured to the discharge container and correspond to each phase of the multiple-phase drive circuit. The tips of the multiple electrodes protrude into the discharge space, and are oriented toward a predetermined single point of union. All of the electrodes located on one side of a virtual plane that includes the predetermined point of union. Furthermore, a discharge lamp having the discharge tube includes three electrodes, and electric discharge can take place between each pair of electrodes. When the discharge lamp is driven at maximum output, voltage is impressed to the three electrode terminals such that at least one of the voltages VeAB, VeBC, VeCA between the three electrode terminals will be in a discharge period.

Abstract: An indirectly heated cathode C1 comprises a heater 1, a double coil 2, a mesh member 3, and a metal oxide 10. An electrical insulating layer 4 is formed on the surface of heater 1. Heater 1 is inserted into and positioned at the inner side of double coil 2. Mesh member 3 is disposed along the length direction of double coil 2 at the outer side of double coil 2. Double coil 2 is grounded by being connected to the ground terminal of heater 1 via a lead rod 7. Metal oxide 10 is held by double coil 2 and disposed to be in contact with mesh member 3. Metal oxide 10 and mesh member 3 are exposed to the outer side of indirectly heated electrode C1 so that the surface of metal oxide 10 and the surface of mesh member 3 make up a discharge surface and mesh member 3 is in contact with the surface part of metal oxide 10.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for switching and controlling an electron dose emitted by a micro-emitter comprising a sensor module (30) that receives the output current from the micro-emitter and a voltage to adjust the polarization point of the said device, a comparator module that receives a threshold voltage to adjust the quantity of charges to be emitted, a logical module to initialize the electron emission, and to define whether or not the micro-emitter should emit, a control module that generates the voltages necessary for initialization and extinction of the micro-emitter current pulse, means of varying the threshold voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to contain plasma at optimal fill capacity of a metallic container is disclosed. The invention includes the utilization of anodized layers forming the internal surfaces of the container volume. Bias resistors are calibrated to provide constant current at variable voltage conditions. By choosing the appropriate values of the bias resistors, the voltages of the metallic container relative to the voltage of an anode are adjusted to achieve optimal plasma fill while minimizing the chance of reaching the breakdown voltage of the anodized layer.

Abstract: In a spark gap switch 12 of a pulse generating circuit 2 of a plasma generator T, an intermediate electrode 15, which is not connected to any electrical source, is disposed at a nearly middle position between a first spherical electrode 13 and a second spherical electrode 15 so as to hold respective spark gaps to the both spherical electrodes 13, 14. Further, in the spark gap switch 12, switching operation is performed between the both spherical electrodes 13, 14 by causing two-stage spark discharge in the first spark gap between the first spherical electrode 13 and the intermediate electrode 15, and in the second spark gap between the intermediate electrode 15 and the second spherical electrode 14. Thus, in the spark gap switch 12, pulse voltage of high voltage and high frequency is stably generated for a long time, and further the spark gap switch 12 may be made compact.

Abstract: In a flash lamp, a mirror structure (20, 30, 40) is fixed at an inner end portion of an exhaust pipe (21, 34, 44) secured to a center of a stem (6) disposed at a bottom portion of an envelope (H). An arc emission part (S) is located at a focal position of a rounded mirror surface 24.

Abstract: A method and a control circuit for controlling a field emission display to reduce emission to grid during turn on and turn off are provided. In an illustrative embodiment, the control circuit includes a threshold detector that receives an input signal proportional to an anode voltage (VAnode) for the display and produces a high or low output signal dependent on the level of VAnode. An output low corresponding to a high voltage at the display screen enables a gate element of a pass transistor that controls current flow to the grid. Alternately, an output high corresponding to a low voltage at the display screen enables a pull down transistor that controls discharge of the grid to ground. The control circuit can also include a fault detection circuit for detecting a sharp decrease in the anode voltage and discharging the grid.

Abstract: A field emission display includes an array of emitter sites, a grid for controlling electron emission from the emitter sites, and a display screen. The field emission display also includes a control circuit for controlling the grid for preventing emission to grid. The control circuit includes a high impedance grid bias path, and a low impedance grid bias path. In addition, the control circuit includes a sensing-switching circuit for sensing an anode voltage at the display screen, and switching from the high impedance to the low impedance grid bias path upon detection of a threshold anode voltage. An alternate embodiment control circuit is configured to provide a programmable delay during enabling of the grid to insure that the display screen reaches the threshold voltage prior to electron emission. An alternate embodiment field emission display includes a focus ring that is controlled to prevent emission to grid.

Abstract: A field emission display includes an array of emitter sites, a grid for controlling electron emission from the emitter sites, and a display screen. The field emission display also includes a control circuit for controlling the grid for preventing emission to grid. The control circuit includes a high impedance grid bias path, and a low impedance grid bias path. In addition, the control circuit includes a sensing-switching circuit for sensing an anode voltage at the display screen, and switching from the high impedance to the low impedance grid bias path upon detection of a threshold anode voltage. An alternate embodiment control circuit is configured to provide a programmable delay during enabling of the grid to insure that the display screen reaches the threshold voltage prior to electron emission. An alternate embodiment field emission display includes a focus ring that is controlled to prevent emission to grid.

Abstract: In order to operate a discharge apparatus, a first voltage having a first frequency is applied to electrodes. Moreover, a second voltage having a second frequency higher than the first frequency is applied to the first voltage. The waveform of the voltage having the second frequency may be an attenuated one which is synchronized with the first frequency. As a result of this voltage superposition, the electrons, ions, or plasma in the already established discharge fluctuate with the change in the electric field. If the second frequency is selected to be equal or close to the resonance frequency of the electrons, ions, or plasma existing in the already established discharge, there occurs the resonance phenomenon of the electrons, ions, or plasma. This phenomenon raises the temperature of those particles. As a result, the electron temperature approaches to a value preferable for emission of visible light or ultraviolet rays so that the luminous efficiency is improved.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gas discharge tube which is properly lighted to improve the reproducibility of a satisfactory light emission state. The gas discharge tube includes an envelop for accommodating a hot cathode for emitting thermoelectrons, an anode for receiving the thermoelectrons, a focusing electrode having a focusing opening for converging paths of the thermoelectrons, and a discharge shielding member supporting the focusing electrode and the anode, the discharge shielding member further supporting a cathode box for surrounding the hot cathode while being electrically insulated from the focusing electrode. Since a lighting device for the gas discharge tube sets the focusing electrode to a zero or negative potential while an electric field is generated between the hot cathode and the anode, the lighting device will be certainly turned on.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube includes a light-emitting section in an envelope sealing a gas therein, positioned at distal ends of lead pins while spaced from an inner side wall of the envelope. The light-emitting section includes a hot cathode, an anode, a focusing electrode, and a discharge shielding member having a front surface which faces the hot cathode. The front surface of the discharge shielding member is defined by a first surface being in direct contact with the focusing electrode, for defining a position of the focusing electrode, a second surface continued from the first surface, for defining a distance between the focusing electrode and the anode, and a third surface continued from the second surface and being in direct contact with the anode, for defining a position of the anode.

Abstract: Emitters (14, 16, 17, 18) of a field emission display (10) are conditioned to improve electron emission. The emitters (14, 16, 17, 18) and the rows (21, 22) are operated at voltages that stimulate electron emission from the emitters (14, 16, 17, 18). An anode (23) is operated at a voltage that does not attract electrons so that the electrons are attracted to the rows (21, 22).

Abstract: A DC power supply 44 for providing a desired filament voltage to a static filament in a vacuum fluorescent display 16 includes a voltage regulator 46 with an input and an output. The input couples to a source of ignition voltage 10 while the output couples to the base of a transistor 50. A first dropping resistor 52 connects between the source of ignition voltage 10 and the collector of the transistor 50. A second dropping resistor 54 connects between the emitter of the transistor 50 and the filament 20 of the VF display 16. Accordingly, a first current path to the filament 20 is defined through the first dropping resistor 52, the collector-emitter junction of the transistor 50, and the second dropping resistor 54. A second current path to the filament 20 is defined through the voltage regulator 46, the base-emitter junction of the transistor 50, and the second dropping resistor 54.

Abstract: An efficient power supply for a vacuum fluorescent display having a battery or other unregulated source supplies the grid voltage directly from the battery and supplies the anode voltage via a step-up regulator. To eliminate apparent display brightness changes upon variation of battery voltage, the battery voltage and the anode voltage are fed back to the regulator, adjusting the regulated anode voltage inversely to the battery voltage. The direct coupling of battery to the grid eliminates the necessity of regulating or converting the grid voltage, allowing a smaller power supply to be used and minimizing heat losses.

Abstract: A microtip structure with high uniformity, low operating voltage and no resistive dissipation for a field emission display is described. A substrate is provided. A first conductive layer is formed on the substrate that acts as a cathode. A second conductive layer with a narrow circular opening acts as a gate. A first dielectric layer separates the cathode and the gate. The microtip extends up from the cathode and into the opening. A second dielectric layer is over the gate, with a circular opening that is larger than and concentric with the narrow circular opening in the gate. A means to provide a brief, charging voltage to the gate, followed by a longer operational voltage, wherein the amplitude of the operational voltage is lower than the amplitude of the charging voltage, is included.

Abstract: A power supply for a large or dual vacuum fluorescent display having a DC source coupled to a switching regulator to generate a stepped up DC voltage. A -5 volt regulator is coupled to the switching regulator output, to provide a second DC voltage. A grid and segment driver is supplied with the regulator output. The driver is coupled to a microprocessor, and selectively drives the grid and plate segments to display data from the microprocessor. An oscillator circuit is also coupled to the DC source to generate an AC signal. The AC signal is coupled to an inverter to generate a second phase-shifted AC signal. The AC signals are provided to a pair of output drivers which amplify and output each signal to opposite ends of the filaments to heat the display filaments.

Abstract: An electron emitting element capable of preventing pollution of the emitter due to absorption of gas thereon, to thereby ensure stable emission of electrons over a long period of time even in a low vacuum atmosphere. The electron emitting element is constructed so as to permit a part of electrons emitted from one of emitters to impinge on the other of the emitters being ready for emission to clean it.

Abstract: An AC operated glow lamp having a cathode electrode and a pair of anode electrodes driven from a capacitively ballasted autotransformer that provides phase inversion so as to enable a full wave rectification of the discharge current thus operating in a DC regime from an AC line. The double anode lamp and ballast circuitry provides for rapid lamp starting as well as continuous cathode heating during lamp operation.

Abstract: A gaseous-discharge lamp has a valve defining an interior of the lamp in which an inert gas, such as xenon, is confined. A cup-shaped reflector is disposed in the interior of the lamp, whose inner surface cross-section is preferably a hyperbola or an ellipse so that a collimated light spot is projected outwardly of the lamp or a focused light beam is available. The reflector has a larger-diameter opening facing a light projection window formed on one face of the valve and a bottom portion formed with a hole. An anode and a cathode are disposed in confrontation with each other in a space surrounded by the reflector. A trigger probe electrode intervenes between the anode and the cathode. A sparker electrode is disposed outside of the reflector and in the vicinity of the hole formed in the bottom portion thereof. By the provision of the reflector in the interior of the lamp, light of high radiation intensity is produced from the lamp without increasing the size of the lamp.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a high voltage switch utilizing first and second terminal electrodes and an intermediate electrode disposed therebetween. A high voltage pulse, applied to the intermediate electrode, initiates sequential overvoltaging of the region between one of the terminal electrodes and the intermediate electrode and, then between the intermediate electrode and the other electrode; thereby permitting electrical current to flow between the terminal electrodes. The geometry of the electrodes is chosen so as to yield a field enhancement factor between each region which is sufficiently low to permit highly reliable, predictable, and controllable sequential electrical breakdown.

Abstract: A VF display control apparatus operated directly from an automotive storage battery in which the display brightness variation is minimized by controlling the relationship between the anode and grid voltages in relation to the fluctuation of the battery voltage. The anodes of the display are operated substantially at the battery voltage, and the grid voltage is reduced in relation to the amount by which the anode (supply) voltage exceeds the nominal open-circuit terminal voltage of the battery.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the initiation of plasma discharge inside a gaseous discharge tube, some form of pre-ionizing the gas is required. This invention describes a technique whereby a small but intense discharge region is created near the cathode of a d.c. discharge in order to generate the necessary electrons to initiate the formation of the main electrical discharge. It makes use of the high negative voltage that is applied on the discharge cathode with respect to the discharge anode. A third auxiliary pin electrode near the cathode is introduced into the discharge tube. It is connected on the outside to the anode through a resistor of a suitable value. In the presence of a high voltage across the main electrodes, corona discharge occurs near the auxiliary electrode. This leads to the formation of a small region of intense discharge between it and the cathode. The electron generated in this small discharge region would drift towards the anode under the high electric field between the main electrodes.

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: A magnetron includes an evacuated envelope having therein a cathode assembly. An anode electrode surrounds the cathode assembly. The cathode assembly is formed of a helically wound filament having a quadrilateral cross-section. One of the surfaces of the quadrilateral cross-section filament is wider than the others. The wider surface of the filament faces the anode electrode. The quadrilateral cross-section thereby increasing the sag resistance of the filament.

Abstract: A low pressure metal vapor discharge lamp has a double-tube type discharge vessel consisting of a fully closed outer glass bulb and an inner glass tube substantially coaxially disposed in the outer glass bulb, the inner glass tube being closed at its fixed end and opened at its free end. The space within the discharge vessel is filled with a small amount of a metal and a rare gas of a low pressure. A single cathode is disposed within the space inside the inner glass tube, while a plurality of anodes are disposed in the annular space between the inner glass tube and the outer glass bulb. According to the invention, a number of discharge channels corresponding to that of the anodes are formed between the single cathode and respective anodes, via the opening end brim of the inner glass tube. In operation, anode oscillations take place alternately in respective anodes to cause a self-excitation switching operation, so that a plurality of plasmas are formed.

Abstract: A double-ended thyratron is provided which has, at each end, three grids between a cathode and adjacent voltage withstanding gap, the final grid being connected to its associated cathode. In a circuit arrangement including the thyratron, the first grid adjacent a cathode at each end is connected to a source of current bias and the intermediate grids at each end are connected to mutually isolated trigger signal sources.

Abstract: In an ignition circuit for a split section gas discharge laser having a common anode, a positive sustaining voltage is applied to the common anode while independent negative starting potentials are applied through high resistances to cathodes at either end of the laser tube which are grounded through diodes to prevent shorting of the ignition voltage source while providing a return path for the sustaining voltage source. The cathodes are immediately brought to ground potential upon ignition so that gas discharge in each of the two sections may be independently ignited while mirrors at either end of the laser tube are maintained at or near ground potential during operation of the laser after ignition.

Abstract: A discharge display device is constructed in the form of a plasma panel in which a gas-filled, gas-tight housing contains, as electrode system components of a primary gas discharge path, an insulating matrix having holes therein spaced at regular intervals in accordance with the number of image points as a carrier of two divided electrodes assigned to the discharge cells. The divided electrodes include metal conductor paths arranged, for example, in rows and columns, in particular an auxiliary anode and a control electrode, and a common surface cathode is arranged in such a manner that electrons emerge from the individual holes of the matrix in a controlled fashion. The electrons enter respective d.c. gas discharge paths provided in an insulating hole matrix, which exhibits the same hole spacing and which is in registry with the first-mentioned hole matrix, and cause the individual, bombarded discharge cells to ignite.

Abstract: A high voltage glow discharge power source providing a plurality of glow discharges by gas ignition within at least one elongated electrically insulating member having a central bore along the axis of elongation of the member. Electrodes are positioned along the outer surface along the length of the member to which current sources and sinks are connected in alternation. A DC power supply provides the energy for the current sources and sinks. End plates covering the bore are transparent to optical frequencies. Glow discharges occur within the bore so that when a laser generator beam is diverted into the bore through the end plates, the gas in the bore being ignited to provide the glow, discharges and effects a power gain in the laser signal at the other end of the bore.

Abstract: A discharge tube comprises a vessel containing rare gas; a plurality of electrodes (having a cathodic part and anodic part therein) and so arranged tandem in said vessel that a glow discharge is kept in a discharge gap between each said cathodic part and said anodic part of the preceding electrode, and that an optical path is allowed to let through each negative glow part of said glow discharge adjacent to said cathodic part; means to apply a dc voltage across every said discharge gap in series; and means to supply metal vapor to one of said glow discharge at the most low potential end of said means to apply dc voltage, whereby metal ions formed in said one of said glow discharge are carried down throughout said vessel.

Abstract: A high voltage glow discharge power source providing a plurality of glow discharges by gas ignition within an first elongated member, which member has a central bore along the axis of elongation of the member. A second member used in an E-gun application having a cavity with a soft vacuum in the cavity, and a third similar member parallel to the second member and a common interface boundary between the second and third members. Electrodes are positioned along the outer surface along the length of the first member to which current sources and sinks are connected in alternation. The second member has a common wire running its length with auxiliary wires connected to the common wire which are connected in turn to the sources and sinks. A DC power supply provides the energy for the current sources and sinks used with the first member. End plates covering the bore of the first member are transparent to optical frequencies.