Apparatus and methods for focussing electrons
AssigneeEtp Ion Detect Pty Ltd
InventorRichard Stresau
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for generating and focusing electrons is provided. The apparatus has an emissive material configured to emit an electron, an electron target, and an electrical potential gradient generator configured to generate an electrical potential gradient within the emissive material. The electrical potential gradient is oriented so as to vary from positive to negative in the general direction toward the electron target. In operation, an electron emitted from the emissive materials is deflected away from the emissive material and generally toward the electron target. The apparatus may be incorporated in scientific analytical equipment such as an electron multiplier.
Claims20
Apparatus for generating and focussing electrons, the apparatus comprising
- an emissive material configured to emit an electron,
- an electron target, and
- an electrical potential gradient generating means configured to generate an electrical potential gradient within the emissive material, the electrical potential gradient being oriented so as to vary from positive to negative in the general direction toward the electron target,
- wherein, in use, an electron emitted from the emissive material is deflected away from the emissive material and generally toward the electron target.
A method for focussing an electron emitted from an emissive material onto an electron target, the method comprising:
- providing an emissive material,
- causing or allowing an electron to be emitted from the emissive material, and
- providing an electrical potential gradient within the emissive material the electrical potential gradient being oriented so as to vary from positive to negative in the general direction toward the electron target, so as to prevent the emitted electron from impacting the emissive surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.