Rca Inc.

Scott Allen Keneman

John Guiry Endriz

Carmen A Catanese

An ion feedback electron multiplier has an envelope containing an ionizable gas. Within the envelope is a chain of multiplier dynodes divided into two planar groups spaced from and parallel to one another. At one end of the multiplier chain is an electron source capable of emitting electrons upon ion bombardment. An electron lens which is between the multiplier chain and the electron source, focuses the electrons from the source onto one of the dynodes of the multiplier.

Electron multiplier input electron optics

A chain of planar dynodes is divided into two groups which are spaced from and substantially parallel to each other. A cathode which is capable of emitting electrons upon ion bombardment is at one end of the dynode chain. An envelope encloses the dynodes and the cathode. Also enclosed by the envelope are a plurality of shields. Each shield is located so as to prevent gas ions, present within the envelope, from striking the dynodes, while allowing the ions to strike the cathode.

Electron multiplier with ion bombardment shields

An electron multiplier includes a plurality of staggered parallel dynodes. The dynodes include spaced confinement bumps along their lengths with active multiplying areas between the bumps. The confinement bumps and active areas therebetween define a plurality of channels which extend from a cathode at one end of the multiplier to the output end. Each channel traverses the staggered parallel dynodes and causes an electron beam to pass therethrough without substantial spreading. The electron multiplier includes additional structure for creating a high gain condition in the channels which are desired to be in an 'on' condition while simultaneously creating a low gain condition in the adjacent channels. Electrical potentials can be simply switched at the dynodes so as to change this first condition into a second condition where the relative gain parameters of the channels are reversed.

Electron multiplier with switchable beam confinement structure

An electron multiplier includes a plurality of staggered parallel dynodes. The dynodes include spaced confinement bumps along their lengths with active areas between the bumps. The confinement bumps and active areas therebetween define a plurality of channels which extend from a cathode at one end of the multiplier. Each channel traverses the staggered parallel dynodes and causes an electron beam to pass therethrough without spreading. The multiplier is useful in a display device which includes a plurality of line sources of electrons, e.g., a plurality of cathode stripes.

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Trenton, NJ, United States of America

Scott Allen Keneman