RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN UTILIZATION OF SELF-SUSTAINED ELECTRON EMISSION INVESTIGATION
Abstract
Thin film cathodes with coatings 1 to 6 microns thick were made to sustain electron emission up to 9 ma/sq cm . Low work function interface cold cathodes electrostatically smoke coated with MgO were made to run with lower than normal voltages for 5,000 to 6,000 hours at 3.7 ma/sq cm. Similar cathodes spray coated had reduced voltages to a lesser degree. Spray coatings on zirconium sleeves had half the normal voltages of those on nickel, but were very short lived. A high degree of cleanliness of all major tube parts was found to be essential. The noise characteristic is generally a better indication of cathode quality than plate voltage or glow appearance. Good cathodes can be made with various types of coating structure provided the porosity and thickness are optimized. No good cathodes made by spraying with MgO alone. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 03, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0262133
Entities
People
- B.g. Firth
- Donald W. Mayer
- Warren C. Johnson