Litton Systems, Inc.

David G Couch

James D Pruet

Joseph P Estrera

Timothy W Sinor

Thomas M Daley

Robert S Delzell

Chuck Min Lee

Michael R Saldaña

Duke L Hogan

David B Johnson

An image intensifier includes a photocathode () with a face plate (). A conductive layer () is disposed outwardly from the face plate (). A grounded conductor () is electrically coupled to the conductive layer () and grounds the conductive layer ().

Image intensifier with improved electromagnetic compatibility

A system ( ) for manufacturing a photocathode includes a support ( ) and a polishing pad ( ) disposed adjacent the support ( ). The polishing pad ( ) is operable to polish the photocathode in response to movable contact of the photocathode relative to the polishing pad ( ). The system ( ) also includes a rinsing system ( ) coupled to the support ( ). The rinsing system ( ) is operable to deliver a rinsing agent to the polishing pad ( ). The system ( ) further includes a control system ( ) operable to automatically regulate delivery of the rinsing agent to the rinsing system ( ) at a predetermined time period.

Method and system for manufacturing a photocathode

A system ( ) for manufacturing a photocathode includes a housing ( ) having a first end and a second end. The first end of the housing ( ) is operable to be coupled to a vacuum chamber ( ). The system ( ) also includes a drive support ( ) disposed within the housing ( ). The system ( ) includes a shaft ( ) disposed within the housing ( ) and a ladder ( ) coupled to the shaft ( ). The ladder ( ) includes at least one rung ( ) to retain the photocathode. The system ( ) further includes a drive system ( ) supported by the drive support ( ) within the housing ( ). The drive system ( ) is coupled to the shaft ( ) and is operable to translate the shaft ( ) relative to the housing ( ) to position the rung ( ) of the ladder ( ) at a predetermined location within the vacuum chamber ( ).

A method for manufacturing a photocathode includes positioning the photocathode on a support such that an etch surface of the photocathode faces away from the support. The method includes inserting an end of the support containing the photocathode into a cap. The cap comprises a passage operable to direct an etch compound to the etch surface of the photocathode. The method also includes aligning the etch surface of the photocathode with the passage of the cap using the support. The method also includes inserting a plunger through a passage in the support to contact a surface of the photocathode opposite the etch surface of the photocathode. The method further includes securing the photocathode against the cap using the plunger to confine the etch compound to the etch surface of the photocathode.

Method for manufacturing a photocathode

A system for manufacturing a photocathode includes a cap having a first end and a second end. The first end defines a passage operable to direct an etch compound to an etch surface of the photocathode. The system also includes a support operable to releasably engage the cap to align the etch surface of the photocathode with the passage of the cap. The system also includes a plunger operable to extend through a passage in the support to secure the photocathode against the cap to confine the etch compound to the etch surface of the photocathode.

A system (,) for manufacturing a photocathode includes a support (,) and a polishing pad (,) disposed adjacent the support (,). The polishing pad (,) is operable to polish the photocathode in response to movable contact of the photocathode relative to the polishing pad (,). The system (,) also includes a rinsing system (,) coupled to the support (,). The rinsing system (,) is operable to deliver a rinsing agent to the polishing pad (,). The system (,) further includes a control system (,) operable to automatically regulate delivery of the rinsing agent to the rinsing system (,) at a predetermined time period.

A night vision device includes an image intensifier tube having a photocathode responsive to light in the wavelength range extending from about 1 .mu.m to about 2 .mu.m. The photocathode releases photoelectrons in response to photons of light in this wavelength range. A photomultiplier tube includes such a photocathode to provide an image in response to light of such a wavelength. A method of making such a photocathode is set out.

Night vision device, image intensifier and photomultiplier tube,

A system for manufacturing a photocathode includes a housing and a retainer disposed within the housing. The retainer includes a seating area operable to receive a first surface of the photocathode. The retainer is operable to independently translate relative to the housing along an axis. The system also includes a weight enclosed within the retainer. The weight is operable to provide a substantially uniform pressure across a second surface of the photocathode as the housing translates across a polishing pad substantially orthogonal to the axis.

Growing community of inventors

Kaufman, TX, United States of America

David G Couch