Abstract: A microchannel plate (MCP) 41 in an ion detection section 4 multiplies electrons. An anode 42 detects those electrons and produces a current signal. An amplifier 44 converts this signal into a voltage signal. A low-pass filter 5A acting as a smoothing section 5 is located at the output end of the amplifier 44. A waveform-shaping time adjuster 6 adjusts the time constant of the low-pass filter 5A beforehand according to the response time of the MCP 41, mass-to-charge ratio of an ion species to be subjected to the measurement, and duration of the spread of the ion species which depends on device-specific parameters. A plurality of peaks which sequentially appear in the detection signal corresponding to one ion species are thereby smoothed into a single broad peak. Thus, the distinguishability between signal waves and noise components is improved.

Abstract: A projector includes an discharge lamp which has a first electrode and a second electrode and emits light by generating discharge between the first and second electrodes, and a driving system which supplies power by alternating polarities of the first electrode and the second electrode. The driving system is operable in a restoration mode. The driving system melts surface layers of a tip and a surrounding area of the tip extending from a main body of one of the first and second electrodes, and expands a new tip on a tip area of the main body of the one electrode in the restoration mode.

Abstract: In a planar type display device, deterioration of the picture quality caused by distortion of laminated electrodes due to temperature rise in use is prevented by laminating the electrodes having such a structure that each electrode plate is free from expansion and contract by thermal expansion. Securing means spacers 23 thicker slightly than electrode plates are inserted in holes of the electrode plates 21a to 21e, securing means pin 24 is passed therethrough holding electrode plate spacers 22 therebetween, forming laminated electrode group 5. Since the respective electrode plates have slight gaps in a thickness direction and the electrode plates are free from expansion and contraction and do not distorted at the time of thermal expansion.

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 improved plasma arc reactor is provided with variably positionable electrodes, including a cylindrical anode electrode having an inner, frustoconical cavity providing a reaction chamber and a spherical cathode ball electrode mounted therein. Between these electrodes an arc discharge is induced and sustained to heat and ionize an inert gas to produce an arc plasma for refining raw material introduced into the reaction chamber. A magnetic induction coil is mounted around the outer diameter of the anode electrode to thereby establish a magnetic field to rotate the arc discharge and plasma within the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium vapor lamp comprising an alumina arc tube within an outer glass envelope is provided with a capacitive starting aid in the interenvelope space. The aid comprises a stiff wire which is pressed lengthwise against the side of the arc tube by a bimetal arm swinging in a plane normal to the lamp axis. Preferably the wire has a camber concave towards the arc tube which is flattened out at room temperature. In the event of a reclosure, the camber shortens the hot restart time.

Abstract: An extra-high pressure mercury discharge lamp comprising an end-sealed glass tube shaped to provide a long arc type tube, mercury contained in the both ends respectively of the glass tube, a pair of electrodes provided in the both ends respectively of the glass tube, each of the electrodes including one end portion extending toward the exterior from the associated end of the glass tube, an intermediate portion immersed in the mercury, and the other end portion extending toward the interior beyond the surface of the mercury facing toward the middle of the glass tube, and a power source connected between the externally extending portions of the electrode pair to supply power thereacross, the other or internally extending portions of the electrode pair having a length so selected that the mercury discharge lamp emits light of a sharp emission profile suitable for the exposure of a very fine pattern.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with automatically replenishable cold cathode structures and the like wherein the monitoring of a predetermined variation in electron beam performance caused by erosion of the cathode material generates control signals for advancing reserve cathode material into operative position.

Abstract: Thermionic cathode 12 for a plasma ion source 10 has tungsten wire 64 advanced by wheels 56 from supply 50 to take-up spool 58. In chamber 48, the active cathode region 64 acts with anode 16 to supply electrons for ionizing a fuel gas so the ions are discharged from slit 18 for acceleration, separation and implantation.

Abstract: A stabilized cathode assembly for an arc light source is disclosed wherein an unattached end of a length of electrically conducting braid serving as a cathode is held in close proximity to the anode of the source to establish an arc path between the braid end and the anode. Support means are disclosed which function to advance and withdraw the braid to initiate the arc. Application of the assembly in a spectrometer sample excitation device is further disclosed.

Abstract: An induction plasma system includes a plasma chamber, a high frequency electrical coil that surrounds the chamber, and an oscillator for energizing the coil to establish a plasma maintaining condition in the chamber. The oscillator tank circuit includes the coil, and is tuned so that it is essentially at resonance when a plasma condition is established in the chamber. Ignition means is arranged for initiating a plasma condition, and is constructed such that insertion of the ignition means into the chamber in the absence of a plasma condition shifts the impedance condition in the chamber to essentially the same tuned condition that exists when a plasma condition is established in the plasma chamber, but without need to adjust any component of the tank circuit.

Abstract: A field emission electron gun including a cathode, a control electrode which is disposed in the vicinity of the cathode, an anode which is disposed for accelerating electrons emitted from the cathode, and a source of a D.C. voltage to be applied between the cathode and the anode. Also, there is provided a switching arrangement capable of changing-over a potential of the control electrode between ground potential and a potential of the cathode, and an arrangement capable of varying relative positions of the cathode and the control electrode.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter which can be used as a high voltage d-c breaker or fault current limiter transfer switch or the like contains a pair of cooperable contacts disposed in an evacuated container. One of the contacts also serves as the cathode of a magnetically modulated vacuum arc discharge device. This cathode is spaced from an anode disposed in the wall of the evacuated housing. The anode is surrounded by a winding which is capable of producing a magnetic field which can increase the impedance of the arc plasma between the cathode and anode in order to decrease the arc current and extinguish the arc. The cooperable contacts within the interrupter serve to carry load current and also serve to create the inital arc which is transferred between the anode and cathode structures.