Low voltage electron transparent pellicle

A system, comprising:

• a cathode;
• an apparatus creating a voltage gradient that is more positive at a point distant from the cathode;
• an arrangement enclosing at least the cathode and at least a portion of the voltage gradient and holding the cathode and the voltage gradient in position such that the voltage gradient originates with and extends from the cathode;
• an electrical circuit, the electrical circuit connected to and supplying a voltage difference between the cathode and apparatus, supporting the voltage gradient;
• and
• one or more pellicle structures, disposed within the arrangement, the one or more pellicle structures disposed between the cathode and the point distant from the cathode and comprising:
• a deflecting structure;
• an insulating structure;
• and
• a pellicle;
• wherein the deflecting structure of the pellicle structure nearest the cathode is in contact with a supporting surface supporting the cathode, the insulating structure is in contact with the deflecting structure without being in contact with the cathode, the deflecting layer coupling the insulating structure and the pellicle without being in contact with the cathode or apparatus, the pellicle being connected to the insulating structure without being in contact with the cathode or apparatus;
• wherein at least the pellicle structure nearest the cathode further comprises a vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber enclosing the cathode;
• wherein the voltage gradient accelerates electrons emitted by the cathode toward the more positive regions of the gradient;
• and
• wherein the pellicle allows electrons to pass and blocks atomic particles larger than electrons.