Abstract: A source of visible light including an electrodeless lamp containing a mercury halide. When the contents of the electrodeless lamp are excited by high frequency power, excited mercury (I) halide molecules emit visible light.

Abstract: An electrodeless gas discharge lamp having a closed loop core of a magnetic material the part of which core extends through the lamp vessel, a high frequency field being induceable in this core by means of an h.f. generator in the lamp base, said core is assembled of at least two operable core portions at least a major part of one portion lying within the lamp vessel, and the other of the two portions being located in the lamp base, the lamp base being detachably secured to the lamp vessel.

Abstract: Disclosure is directed to an apparatus for producing a microwave discharge n a supersonic gas flow such that the available microwave energy is deposited in the gas as completely and uniformly as possible through a substantial cross-section of the flow channel. The flow channel is provided within a waveguide and microwave energy is caused to be propagated through the waveguide substantially in the direction of the gas flow. A supersonic nozzle is provided in the channel dividing the channel into an upstream plenum and a downstream low pressure region, and the electric discharge occurs in the low pressure region just beyond the nozzle throat.

Abstract: A microwave discharge ion source according to this invention comprises a microwave generator, a discharge chamber having ridged electrodes, and a waveguide connecting the microwave generator with the discharge chamber. This waveguide consists of a waveguide having no ridged electrode, and a waveguide having ridged electrodes. Further, a vacuum-sealing dielectric plate is disposed at an intermediate position or an end part of the waveguide having no ridged electrode. A space in the waveguide as extends from the vacuum-sealing dielectric plate to the discharge chamber is filled with a dielectric.As a result, the design and fabrication of the vacuum-sealing dielectric plate are facilitated, and a microwave discharge ion source of high performance is provided.

Abstract: A coaxial high voltage, high current switch having a solid cylindrical cold cathode coaxially surrounded by a thin hollow cylindrical inner electrode and a larger hollow cylindrical outer electrode. A high voltage trigger between the cathode and the inner electrode causes electrons to be emitted from the cathode and flow to the inner electrode preferably through a vacuum. Some of the electrons penetrate the inner electrode and cause a volumetric discharge in the gas (which may be merely air) between the inner and outer electrodes. The discharge provides a low impedance path between a high voltage charge placed on the outer electrode and a load (which may be a high power laser) coupled to the inner electrode. For high repetition rate the gas between the inner and outer electrodes may be continuously exchanged or refreshed under pressure.

Abstract: A microwave plasma ion source according to the present invention is designed such that a microwave electric field and a magnetic field are applied to a discharge gas introduced into a discharge region, to form plasma, from which ions are extracted. The above magnetic field is formed by means of an electromagnet provided on the low-voltage side of ion extraction electrodes and a high-permeability member provided in that section which is on the side of a waveguide and which permits the microwaves to be propagated freely.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for igniting a microwave generated discharge lamp. An ultraviolet-producing means is positioned so as to irradiate the fill-containing envelope of the discharge lamp. The ultraviolet-producing means is excited by microwave energy which is extracted from means which couples microwave energy from the microwave source to the fill-containing envelope of the discharge lamp.

Abstract: Coherent microwave radiation is generated in and transmitted through a waveguide/drift tube by means of an injected relativistic electron beam the parameters of which, in combination with the waveguide/drift tube geometry and dimensions effect a virtual cathode oscillation condition within the waveguide/drift tube. Tuning of the device is accomplished by manipulation of the relativistic electron beam parameters and/or waveguide/drift tube physical dimensions.

Abstract: A coupling electrode is placed within the vacuum envelope of an electron tube of coaxial geometry which is insulated from the anode of the tube by means of an insulator. The insulator is joined to the coupling electrode and the anode of the tube by means of flanged collars. One of these collars may serve to connect the coupling electrode to one or a number of external circuits. A capacitive coupling is established between a top cap of one grid of the tube, namely the grid cap located nearest the coupling electrode, and the coupling electrode. The distance and therefore the coupling capacitance between the grid cap and the coupling electrode can be made variable by mounting the coupling electrode on a deformable metallic bellows element.

Abstract: High frequency electrodeless (HFE) lamp has high-permeability core such as ferrite positioned in energy transferring relationship with respect to the phosphor-coated lamp envelope. The core forms a part of a tuned circuit output for a radio-frequency energizing source and during lamp operation, the resulting electromagnetic fields generated within the lamp envelope create a discharge which in turn generates radiations to excite the phosphor to produce visible light. The core is specially designed to include narrow gap means of low-permeability substance and this gap improves lamp performance by providing the dual function of stabilizing the output frequency of the tuned circuit to compensate for variations in permeability of the core and, in addition, the resulting increased Q of the tuned circuit substantially suppresses harmonics of the resonant frequency which are undesirable in such a lamp.

Abstract: A high frequency electromagnetic wave generator is disclosed which comprises an electron gun which directs an electron beam through a region generally adjacent a diffraction grating. The grating cooperates with an opposed reflecting surface to produce a standing electromagnetic wave. The reflector comprises a highly reflective dielectric coated mirror. Supporting means for the diffraction grating may also comprise a reflective dielectric surface.

Abstract: An electromagnetic discharge apparatus has a power coupling fixture which couples power to both ends of an electrodeless discharge vessel and produces a substantially uniform arc. Power can be coupled to the fixture from two high frequency power sources or can be coupled from a single high frequency power source by using a power divider. If power is coupled to the electrodeless discharge vessel from a single source, power transfer to the vessel is optimized when the electrical length of the circuit is an integral number of wavelengths. In an alternative embodiment, a second coupler is utilized in a conventional electrodeless light source to shape the electric fields and produce a more uniform arc.

Abstract: Method an apparatus for general illumination wherein high frequency power is capacitively coupled to a low pressure discharge. A discharge lamp includes an envelope which is typically pear-shaped with a re-entrant cavity. The lamp envelope encloses a fill material which forms during discharge a plasma which emits ultraviolet radiation and has an effective electrical impedance. The lamp envelope typically includes on its inner surface a phosphor coating. An outer conductor, typically a conductive mesh, is disposed around the outer surface of the lamp envelope. A solid or hollow inner conductor is disposed in the re-entrant cavity. The apparatus is configured so that the capacitive impedance associated with coupling of high frequency power from the conductors to the discharge is much less than the plasma impedance. Low capacitive impedance is achieved by utilizing high frequencies and conductors with large surface areas and by maintaining the conductors in close contact with the lamp envelope.

Abstract: Light source wherein high frequency power is capacitively coupled to a low pressure discharge includes at least one metallized power coupling conductor. A discharge lamp includes an envelope which is typically pear-shaped with a re-entrant cavity. The lamp envelope encloses a fill material which forms during discharge a plasma which emits ultravoilet radiation and typically includes on its inner surface a phosphor coating. An outer conductor is disposed around the outer surface of the lamp envelope. A conductive coating disposed on the inner surface of the re-entrant cavity forms the inner conductor. The outer conductor can be a conductive mesh or can be a conductive coating disposed on the outer surface of the lamp envelope in a pattern which permits light to escape from the lamp.

Abstract: Radioactive materials are used to assist in starting a discharge in an electrodeless light source. The radioactive emissions predispose on the inner surface of the lamp envelope loosely bound charges which thereafter assist in initiating discharge. The radioactive material can be enclosed within the lamp envelope in gaseous or non-gaseous form. Preferred materials are krypton 85 and americium 241. In addition, the radioactive material can be dispersed in the lamp envelope material or can be a pellet imbedded in the envelope material. Finally, the radioactive material can be located in the termination fixture. Sources of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays are suitable. Because charges accumulate with time on the inner surface of the lamp envelope, activity levels as low as 10.sup.-8 curie are effective as starting aids.

Abstract: A microwave discharge gap receiver protector includes a radioactive ignitor of the nuclear decay type to provide an auxiliary source of electron priming therefore, the radioactive ignitor comprising a radioactive plate for emitting beta particles therefrom, and a tubular enclosure to channel the flow of emitted beta particles therethrough. In operation, a portion of the channeled emitted beta particles collide with the inner walls of the enclosure which are comprised of a material having a high secondary emission characteristic to generate additional electron particles as a result of secondary emission. Another portion of the beta particles in the channel of the tubular enclosure collide with existing gas particles to generate a second source of auxiliary electrons. The combined sources of auxiliary electrons result in an increased particle concentration which is emitted at an exit end of the enclosure and directed to the discharge gap of the receiver for priming purposes.

Abstract: A metallic coating is disposed on the inner surface of a lamp having an envelope made of a light transmitting substance enclosing a fill material which emits light upon breakdown and excitation by a high frequency power source. The metallic coating protects the lamp envelope from degradation caused by the lamp fill material or by products of the discharge and acts as a catalyst for the recombination reaction of molecular lamp fill material. A nickel coating is used in a deuterium discharge lamp. Another suitable metal is gold. The metallic coating is sufficiently thin to permit high frequency power to pass through the coating.

Abstract: High efficiency amplification of radio frequencies to very high power levels including: establishing a cylindrical cloud of electrons; establishing an electrical field surrounding and coaxial with the electron cloud to bias the electrons to remain in the cloud; establishing a rotating electrical field that surrounds and is coaxial with the steady field, the circular path of the rotating field being one wavelength long, whereby the peak of one phase of the rotating field is used to accelerate electrons in a beam through the bias field in synchronism with the peak of the rotating field so that there is a beam of electrons continuously extracted from the cloud and rotating with the peak; establishing a steady electrical field that surrounds and is coaxial with the rotating field for high-energy radial acceleration of the rotating beam of electrons; and resonating the rotating beam of electrons within a space surrounding the second field, the space being selected to have a phase velocity equal to that of the rota

Abstract: An activated gas generator which comprises a microwave absorber containing, for example, water and surrounding a dielectric tube concurrently to absorb microwaves leaking along the dielectric tube and also cool it. The dielectric tube is formed in a gas pipe which extends through a microwave irradiation furnace and which is connectable at a raw gas source and at its other end to a reaction chamber and a vacuum pump. The microwave absorber is mounted at least to a portion of the tube adjacent to the reaction chamber and vacuum pump.

Abstract: An electrodeless lamp apparatus includes an electrodeless, light-transmitting, envelope for housing a rare-earth compound fill, and a termination fixture, electrodelessly coupled to the envelope, adapted to create an electrical condition for exciting the fill.The fill can include mercury and a noble gas, such as argon.The rare-earth compound is preferably a rare-earth halide, such as dysprosium iodide and holmium iodide.The fill can include a halide of mercury, such as HgBr.sub.2.One example of a fill is Hg/DyI.sub.3 /HoI.sub.3 /CsI/HgBr.sub.2 /Ar.A second example of a fill is Hg/NdI.sub.3 /DyI.sub.3 /CsI/Ar.A third example of a fill is Hg/Pr/DyI.sub.3 /HgI.sub.2 /CsI/HgBr.sub.2 /Ar.A fourth example of a fill is Hg/Yb/CsCl/HgCl.sub.2 /Ar.

Abstract: In an electronic tube comprising a cup shaped first electrode, a cup shaped insulator bonded to the first electrode through a first joint and a second central electrode secured to the insulator through a second joint, there is provided a shielding member intercepting the equipotential magnetic planes of the leakage flux between the first and second joints for preventing thermal fracture of the insulator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cylindrical, electron beam collector that efficiently couples the microwave energy out of a high power microwave source while stopping the attendant electron beam. The interior end walls of the collector are a pair of facing parabolic mirrors and the microwave energy from an input horn is radiated between the two mirrors and reassembled at the entrance to the output waveguide where the transmitted mode is reconstructed. The mode transmission through the collector of the present invention has an efficiency of at least 94%.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent light source has an electrodeless lamp mounted in a termination fixture which includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor disposed around the inner conductor and is coupled to a high frequency power source. Power is coupled to an ultraviolet-producing low pressure discharge in the electrodeless lamp which acts as a termination load within the termination fixture. A phosphor coating on the inner surface of the electrodeless lamp emits visible light upon excitation by ultraviolet radiation. Alternatively, the phosphor coating can be on the inner surface of a transparent envelope which forms part of the termination fixture. In this case, the phosphor coated envelope can be removable from the light source. The light source can be dimmed by reducing the microwave power input. Frequency of operation is typically from 902 MHz to 928 MHz.

Abstract: An electrodeless light source having a termination fixture adapted for connection to a high frequency power source has an electrodeless lamp with a self-contained ultraviolet excitation source and a means for coupling power to the electrodeless lamp. The electrodeless lamp includes a main lamp cavity and an exciter lamp cavity within a single envelope. When power is applied to the fixture, the exciter lamp cavity emits ultraviolet radiation which assists starting of the arc discharge in the main lamp cavity.

Abstract: A light source includes an electrodeless lamp having a generally cylindrically shaped envelope made of a light transmitting substance. A volatile fill material, enclosed within the envelope, emits light upon breakdown and excitation. A termination fixture has an outer conductor disposed around its inner conductor, both conductors having a first end which couples power to the lamp and a second end coupled to an alternating current power source. A first end of conductive means is coupled to the first end of the inner conductor, a second end of the conductive means being open-circuited. The conductive means has an electrical length whereby axial electric field maxima and minima occur thereon. The envelope is oriented centrally and axially within the conductive means so that an axial, non-toroidal arc occurs within the envelope, but does not attach to its interior walls, thereby enhancing the life of the lamp. The conductive means can be formed in a helical or spiral configuration.

Abstract: A high peak power microwave generator is disclosed in which a plurality of transmission lines are connected to an output wave guide at predetermined intervals along the direction of propagation. Each transmission line is periodically charged, and this electromagnetic energy is released into the wave guide upon the actuation of a light activated silicon switch (LASS) diode connected to the transmission line. The LASS diodes are actuated simultaneously by a laser beam which traverses equal optical paths to each switch. The coincident switching of the transmission lines enables the power in each line to be additive in the wave guide, and much higher output pulses can be obtained. Further, the high speed switching capabilities afforded by the LASS diodes means that the resulting high power can be obtained at a much higher frequency.

Abstract: A device for attenuating electromagnetic cavity interference waves, which occur in the vacuum system of a high-frequency electron tube, in particular a transmitting tube, comprising a wave-guide portion coupled to the cavity of the electron tube, which may or may not form a part of the vacuum system of the electron tube, and which wave-guide portion may have a length corresponding approximately to a quarter wave length of the interference waves, and is provided with a high-ohmic resistive coating, the high resistance of which is transformed by the wave-guide portion into a low resistance with respect to the cavity interference waves which are to be attenuated, in the cavity of the electron tube.

Abstract: A pre-TR high power/intermediate power stage apparatus for receiver protectors utilizing a single quartz vial filled with a halogen gas and having a predetermined configuration to provide the dual function of a high power pre-TR and the intermediate power stage.

Abstract: In an electrodeless fluorescent lamp of the type including a sealed, light transmissive, envelope including an elongate inner wall defining an open-ended cavity and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall to form a generally annular, hollow cavity therebetween, the annular cavity being charged with an ionizable gaseous medium, an induction coil positioned within the open-ended cavity, and a radio frequency oscillator connected to the coil, the coil and the oscillator initiating and maintaining ionization of the medium to form an ultraviolet light emitting discharge, the inner surface of the outer wall of the envelope being coated with a phosphor which emits visible light when excited by ultraviolet light, the improvement wherein the outer surface of the inner wall is coated with a layer of an electrically insulative ultraviolet light reflective material which is overcoated with a phosphor layer. Such improvement yields an increase in visible light production of the order of 50% to 100%.

Abstract: Amplifier device for the UHF-TV band, assembled from cylindrical conductors which are coaxially arranged with respect to one another and connected to a tetrode. The screen grid is grounded and the control grid is provided with dc voltage connecting terminals required for setting the tetrode.

Abstract: The header and tunnel of an external core, solenoidal electric field, fluorescent lamp are coated with a thin ultraviolet light-reflective layer; for example, aluminum or magnesium oxide. Radiative heat transfer from the lamp plasma to the magnetic core is thus reduced to permit high operating power levels and good lumen maintenance.

Abstract: A liquid dielectric radio frequency pulse generator capable of providing high energy pulses having an in-line construction includes an annularly shaped spark gap immersed in an aprotic liquid such as molten sulfur, sulfur monochloride or mixtures thereof. The input voltage is connected to the resonant element through a central aperture provided in the spark gap rings for high efficiency operation.

Abstract: A radio frequency pulse generator capable of providing high energy pulses having an in-line construction includes an annularly shaped spark gap. The input voltage is connected to the resonant element through a central aperture provided in the spark gap rings for high efficiency operation.

Abstract: A tunable frequency pulse generator capable of providing high energy pulses having an in-line construction includes an annularly shaped spark gap and a movable insulator support which includes a conductive sleeve that varies the resonant frequency of the generator. The input voltage is connected to the resonant element through a central aperture provided in the spark gap rings for high efficiency operation.

Abstract: A solid state microwave power source for providing microwave power to excite an electrodeless lamp is designed so as to provide an acceptable impedance matching characteristic during lamp warm-up when the lamp impedance is high and changing with temperature to provide sufficient power to the lamp during the running state when the lamp impedance is matched to the source. The microwave power source includes a dc power source providing power at variable levels, a microwave oscillator receiving the dc power to produce a microwave signal, and a microwave power amplifier. The oscillator has a transistor in a common base configuration, a microstrip capacitive feedback element to sustain oscillations, and an output impedance matching arrangement formed from microstrip. The microwave signal is amplified in the solid state power amplifier having a power transistor in a common base configuration.

Abstract: Improved efficacy is obtained in an electrodeless light source of the type having a high frequency electrodeless lamp disposed at the ends of inner and outer conductors of a termination fixture by evacuating the region between the lamp envelope and the outer conductor to reduce conductive and convective heat losses.

Abstract: A half wavelength resonant cavity having inner and outer coaxial conductors is coupled at one end to a dc power source, and a gas discharge electrodeless lamp is disposed in the region between the conductors at the other end of the cavity. Repetitive bursts of radio frequency oscillations occur within the cavity, the oscillations causing breakdown of the fill material within the lamp to produce light.

Abstract: A method and device for absorbing microwave energy avoid the expense and bulk of prior art arrangements, and provide greater efficiency, by forming a flame in the path of the microwave and supplying a seeding substance into the flame to produce a plasma flame column which absorbs the microwave. The seeding substance is preferably an alkali salt solution, e.g. KNO.sub.3.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently coupling microwave energy to a highly dissipative load such as a plasma lamp tube. A longitudinally extending lamp tube is enclosed in a longitudinally extending non-resonant microwave chamber having a pair of coupling slots therein which are oriented perpendicular to the direction of the lamp tube. The slots are azimuthally offset in opposite directions with respect to a longitudinally extending top center line of the chamber by about 15.degree. to 20.degree., and are located near respective ends of the chambers but at different distances therefrom. Microwave energy from a pair of microwave energy generating means is coupled to the respective slots with the frequency outputs of the generating means being offset from each other by a small amount.

Abstract: A starting assist control circuit for an electrodeless light source in which a UV source for assisting in starting an electrodeless lamp is coupled in series with the dc supply for a microwave power source for the lamp so that a reduced dc voltage is supplied to the microwave power source at lamp starting. At staring, a capacitive impedance element is coupled across the inner and outer conductors of the fixture to provide an additional starting assist by creating a condition of resonance in the fixture. A heat responsive bimetallic switch element associated with both the capacitor and the UV source automatically shorts out the UV source and decouples the capacitor after the lamp has started thereby permitting full dc power to the microwave power source during the operating condition of the lamp.

Abstract: A device for providing a tunable impedance due to variations of a multipactor discharge; the device of the invention gives rise to low insertion losses when incorporated in another device, due to particular structure provides a longitudinal drift of the electrons of the discharge which thus have an elongated trajectory before stricking an electrode.

Abstract: This device essentially comprises a resistive element connected between two conductor elements one of which is attached to one of the two walls between which the waves requiring attenuation appear, and the other of which is located opposite the other wall, constituting a capacitor in relation thereto; such devices are disposed in regions of high frequency tubes such as magnetrons or tetrodes devoided of useful waves.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a waveguide-type, multi-stage, receiver protector. It combines the use of all-chlorine gas discharge stages and a radioactive primer discharge stage having a semi-inert gas medium in a way to retain the protection benefits of the radioactive primer device, while providing the fast recovery time of the chlorine stages. The apparatus includes an r.f. limiting diode section which aids in attaining the combined benefits of the other two types of stages.

Abstract: A device for suppressing parasitic oscillations in electronic power tubes of coaxial structure. It is constituted by an electrically conductive component of cylindrical form with a flange, containing an odd number of resonant circuits of the RLC type, with distributed constants. Each circuit comprising at least one inductance coupled to at least one capacitor. The latter are respectively constituted by an opening and a slot in said component. The circuits are tuned to the range of frequencies of the parasitic oscillations.

Abstract: An electrodeless discharge lamp has an ionizable medium comprising a particular gas composition at a particular pressure within a sealed envelope. Radio frequency electrical power is applied to an induction coil, the magnetic induction field of which is coupled to the medium. For a particular radio frequency, the magnitude of the induction field is selected to maximize the light emitted by the discharge per watt of radio frequency power coupled thereto. The radio frequency is preferably between 3 megahertz and 300 megahertz.

Abstract: A tunable microwave cavity permits adjustment of the penetration of a power coupling probe into the main cavity by adjusting a grounded element of the cavity. A pair of conductive tubes are in telescoping relationship and have mutually engaging threads so that a rotation of one tube causes one tube to pass over the other. A first one of the tubes is mounted to the main cavity and around an aperture in the cavity wall. A power coupling connector is mounted with the second tube, and a rotating electrical contactor is disposed between the outer conductor of the connector and the second tube so that the connector does not rotate with the second tube. A power coupling probe affixed to the end of the inner conductor of the connector assumes various penetration depths within the main cavity in response to a rotation of the second tube. The cavity may be used in a light source including a high frequency power source and an electrodeless lamp disposed in the main cavity.

Abstract: In a light source excited with power at a high frequency, an electrodeless lamp is located in a termination fixture comprising an inner and outer conductor, the lamp being located at the end of the inner conductor. An internal tuning element is located within the fixture for creating a resonant condition when the lamp is to be started to create a maximum electric field for initiating breakdown and excitation of the fill material within the lamp. The tuner may comprise a variable capacitance coupled in parallel across the conductors at the power input end of the fixture or a variable inductance connected across the conductors at the lamp end of the fixture.

Abstract: A high power duplexer in the millimeter region includes a beam excited plasma switch in combination with colinear waveguide transmission lines. The beam passes through four sets of slots which are positioned in the four narrow adjoining walls of the colinear waveguide transmission lines. A quasi-anode is used to aid in turn-on of the plasma switch.

Abstract: A light source includes a source of high frequency power, an electrodelsss lamp and a termination fixture for coupling power to the lamp, the fixture having an outer conductor and an inner conductor whose length is adjustable for providing dynamic matching of the impedance of the lamp during the operating mode to the output impedance of the source. Variations in the power level from the source, such as is desirable in providing lamp brightness selectivity, vary both the real and imaginary components of the lamp impedance, and corresponding adjustments of the inner conductor length provide a tuning technique to compensate for these variations.

Abstract: A light source includes an electrodeless lamp having an envelope for enclosing a volatile fill material which emits light upon vaporization and excitation, a source of power at a high frequency and a termination fixture coupled to the source. The fixture has inner and outer conductors which have dimensions such that the lamp is located in the high field region at the end of the conductors. When the high frequency power is applied to the fixture, a voltage standing wave is formed which initiates vaporization and excitation of the fill material. The termination load impedance which is that of the lamp changes from a lossy open circuit to a finite value when vaporization and excitation occur. An impedance matching device is provided for matching the running lamp impedance to the output impedance of the source.