Devices and methods for enhancing the collection of electrons

A method of manufacturing an electronic device, comprising:

• forming a cathode comprising a cathode substrate;
• forming an anode comprising an anode substrate;
• disposing an emitting region onto a surface of the cathode substrate, the emitting region to emit an electron flow;
• disposing a support member onto a surface of the anode substrate;
• forming an opening in the support member to expose a portion of the anode substrate;
• forming a collection region onto the exposed portion of the anode substrate, the collection region to receive the electron flow;
• disposing a gate electrode onto a surface of the support member, wherein the gate electrode is receptive to a first power source to produce a voltage in the gate electrode that is positively-biased relative to the cathode;
• and
• disposing a focus electrode onto the surface of the support member, wherein the focus electrode is receptive to a second power source to produce a voltage in the focus electrode that is negatively-biased relative to the gate electrode.

A method of collecting electrons at an anode, comprising:

• obtaining a vacuum electronic energy conversion device comprising:
• a cathode comprising a cathode substrate and an emitting region that is configured to emit an electron flow;
• an anode comprising an anode substrate and a collection region that is configured to receive the electron flow;
• a support member disposed on the anode substrate;
• a gate electrode disposed between the cathode and the anode, wherein the gate electrode is receptive to a first power source to produce a voltage in the gate electrode;
• and
• a focus electrode disposed between the cathode and the anode, wherein the focus electrode is receptive to a second power source to produce a voltage in the focus electrode;
• wherein each of the gate electrode and the focus electrode is disposed on the support member;
• applying a voltage to the gate electrode that is positively-biased relative to the cathode;
• applying a voltage to the focus electrode that is negatively-biased relative to the gate electrode;
• emitting an electron flow from the emitting region of the cathode, wherein the gate electrode accelerates the electron flow between the cathode and the gate electrode, and wherein the focus electrode forces the electron flow away from the gate electrode;
• and
• collecting the electron flow at the collection region of the anode.