Efficient low-voltage grid for a cathode
OwnerJohn Bennettinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A control grid for a cathode including a plurality of grid cells, with each grid cell including a deflecting layer, an insulating layer and a grid layer. The deflecting layer is in contact with the cathode; the insulating layer is between the deflecting layer and the grid layer; and the grid layer is at a positive voltage relative to the cathode, such that a voltage gradient is created between the cathode and the grid layer which accelerates electrons emitted by the cathode away from the cathode.
Claims18
A high-voltage switch, comprising:
- a cathode;
- an anode;
- a vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber enclosing at least the cathode and the anode in a vacuum and holding the cathode and the anode in position such that a gap exists between them;
- an electrical circuit, the electrical circuit connected to and supplying a voltage difference across the cathode and the anode;
- and
- a control grid, comprising:
- a deflecting layer;
- an insulating layer;
- and
- a grid layer, wherein the deflecting layer is in contact with the cathode, the insulating layer is between the deflecting layer and the grid layer, and the grid layer is at a positive voltage relative to the cathode,
- wherein a voltage gradient is created between the cathode and the grid layer which accelerates electrons emitted by the cathode toward the anode.
A control grid for a cathode, comprising a plurality of grid cells, each grid cell comprising:
- a deflecting layer;
- an insulating layer;
- and
- a grid layer,
- wherein the deflecting layer is in contact with the cathode, the insulating layer is between the deflecting layer and the grid layer, and the grid layer is at a positive voltage relative to the cathode, such that a voltage gradient is created between the cathode and the grid layer which accelerates electrons emitted by the cathode away from the cathode.
A method of controlling a flow of electrons from a cathode to an anode, comprising:
- placing a first layer of a control grid in contact with the cathode, the first layer being electrically conducting;
- placing a second layer of the control grid in contact with the first layer, the second layer being electrically insulating;
- placing a third layer of the control grid in contact with the second layer, the third layer being electrically conducting;
- and
- providing a voltage to the third layer of the control grid which is a positive voltage relative to a voltage of the cathode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.