DE3803737A1 - ELECTRONIC BUNDLE AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are many different arrangements in which, in a vacuum or gas-filled enclosure, a cathode 12, Figs 1 and 2, is pulsed with respect to an anode 14 in order to generate from the discharge therebetween high electrical charge density entities, called EV's in the specification, which comprise discrete, self-contained, negatively charged bundles of electrons. Preferably a dielectric surface 10 is provided between the anode and cathode to provide a surface along which the discharge entity propagates. Further electrodes may be provided to control the EV. The cathode may be pointed, as shown, to operate by field emission and may be formed of Cu or Ag wetted with Hg, with a small Hg resevoir incorporated in the electrode, Figs. 5 and 6 (not shown). Instead of planer geometry the device may be cylindrically symmetric, Fig. 3, with anode 24 spaced 1 mm from cathode 22 at opposite ends of glass tube 34. With a gas pressure of a few bar or a vacuum of 10<-3> bar, EV's may be produced by applying 2KV pulses of 0.1 mu sec divation to the cathode. Other cathode materials and constructions are disclosed and arrangements for separating, guiding (eg. capacitance, inductance, gaseous or optical guides), launching, selecting, splitting and deflecting EV's are detailed. Embodiments utilising EV's in devices such as oscilloscopes, display tubes, electrodeless tubes, travelling wave tubes, pulse generators, X-ray sources, electron sources and RF sources are also disclosed. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to generation and handling of structures of high electrical charge density (′ high electrical charge density entitites ′ ′). In particular, it concerns structures high negative electrical charge density caused by electri cal discharge and generated during the transmission of electrical Energy can be used.

Strong plasma discharges, strong electron beams and the like. Phenomena have been the subject of various investigations. The book "Vacuum Arcs Theory and Application" by JM Lafferty (ed.), John Wiley & Sons, 1980, contains a short history of the study of vacuum discharges as well as detailed analyzes of the various special features of vacuum arcs in general. Particular attention was paid to the cathode spots, the erosion of the cathodes used to generate the discharges, and the anode spots and the structure of the discharges. The structure of electron beams has been described in the categories of vortex threads. Various researchers have obtained information about discharge structures from investigations of target damage to detection plates, which generate the impact of the discharge on a flat plate in the electrical path of the discharge between the source and the anode. With an electron camera with the smallest opening ("pinhole camera"), geometric structures have been detected which indicate local dense sources of other radiation - for example X-ray and neutron radiation - which are associated with plasma focus and other discharge processes. There are many examples of anomalous structures in a plasma environment: inter alia, the flash and in particular the ball lightning, as well as sparks of all kinds, including those that result when the relay contacts open or close under high voltage or at low voltage under high currents.

The use of a dielectric element for containing or guiding a high current discharge is known from investigations of charged particle beams which propagate in close proximity to a dielectric body. In such studies, all of the particle flow extracted from the source was directed along the dielectric guide. Therefore, the behavior of the particle flow was determined by the properties of the discharge as a whole. The term "discharge in its entirety" (total discharge, "gross discharge") is intended to partially denote the electrons, positive ions, negative ions, neutral particles and photons that typically occur in the case of an electrical discharge. The properties of the discrete structure present in the discharge are not clearly distinguished from the averaged properties of the discharge as a whole. In such investigations using a dielectric guide, the latter is used exclusively to narrow the path. In the context of the present invention, dielectric guides for the treatment of high-density charge structures - in contrast to an overall discharge - are used .

The structure in plasma discharges, which was previously determined by researchers, need not be based on the same causal relationships and not even the same physical phenomena that apply to the present invention. While the high-density charge forms according to the invention - also undetected - can be present in various discharges, the present invention discloses identification of the structures, techniques for producing, isolating and handling the same, and applications for them. The technology of the present invention is at least partially a new technology with various applications, ie the execution of very fast processes, the transfer of energy using miniature components, the time analysis of other processes and the generation of spots by X-rays.

The present invention is a high charge density structure that represents a relatively discrete, negatively charged, and high density state of matter that can be created by applying a strong electric field between a cathode and an anode. This structure is to be referred to here as ELECTRUM VALIDUM - abbreviated EV - (derived from the Greek "electron" for electronic charging and from the Latin "valere", ie it is powerful and strong and has the ability to unite). As will be explained in more detail below, the presence of EVs has also been shown to exist in total electrical discharges.

The present invention excludes discrete EVs from individual ones EVs as well as EV "chains" that are identified below are. It is an object of the present invention to generate of EVs in a discharge and the segregation of EVs from that with this generated diffuse space charge limited flow give.

Another object of the invention is the temporal and spatial Treatment and handling of EVs.

Another object of the invention is insulation and handha Exercise or treatment of EVs for precise time interval control tion and measurement.

In general and according to the invention, EVs can be generated by using a generator such as a high vacuum or Gas diode used; however, the generation is not on this limited. Located in one form of such a generator there is a dielectric material between an emission higen cathode and a second electrode or anode that they shielded against the cathode by the dielectric element  is to allow a direct discharge from the cathode to the anode avoid. However, the dielectric element holds a surface along which an EV can move to the anode. A such dielectric element can be with guides such For example, run channels to get an EV on a defined path respectively. Under this target path on the other side of the dielectric material, a counter electrode can be arranged, to keep the EV on its path. The addition a low pressure gas over the dielectric surface tert the movement of the EV over the dielectric.

Another generator form is a cylindrical symmetry Cathode separated from an anode by a gap in which there is a vacuum within a dielectric hollow body or a low pressure gas is present. In one modification such an arrangement as an emission device can be used a cathode on the outside of a conical dielectric Elements, inside which an anode is arranged, an EV generate that in vacuum or by a low pressure gas over the Gap set in motion and drawn on by a counter electrode gene is located on the outside of a tubular the electrical element, into which the EV is inserted.

Different cathode arrangements - including cylindrically symmetrical and flat - are given as well as techniques for wetting the structures with conductive material and thus repairing erosion damage.

A counterelectrode arranged behind a dielectric body trode with a sharp edge, which in the case of a cylindrical symmetry generator or a generator for the propagation of EVs along a surface generally between a cathode and an anode is arranged, can be used to a desired EV to separate from the electrons and ions that are in the discharge with which the EV is generated. A similar structure allows the selection of individual ones a variety of EVs generated.

The principles of electrical guidance are further developed refines to create facilities with which EV Lanes split, so that EVs to certain locations can direct. The detachment of an EV from a guideway allows a selective adjustment of the propagation path Creation of an EV switch, for example.

The present invention further provides techniques for execution tion of EVs through inductive and capacitive effects be used to generate RF signals, which in the Be movement of the EVs occur. The generation of visible light when moving an EV in a surrounding gas it becomes Creation of optical guides for the train used by the EV should follow.

Because an EV represents a high concentration of electrical charge poses, its movement and arrival, for example, in one  Use the anode to generate pulses with a high rise and fall rate to produce speed. Such quick impulses are Can be used in many ways - for example to create a suitable bottom tentialimpeses on a cathode to a pure field emission evoked by EVs. For EV generation with a pure field emission, a flat cathode generator is also specified. The Hitting EVs on a suitable target can also be used Generation of X-rays from a concentrated area of the target can be used.

The electron emission that occurs when EVs are moving can be used to control the emission of high density to cause ten electrons for different applications. In addition, an EV oscilloscope is specified that is used for the signal analyze uses a deflection field that is based on the movement of an EV acts so that incident electron emission is on a Fluorescent screen or the like. For examining a time-variable field can be observed. Will continue specified an electron camera with which the behavior of EVs in deflection fields or under other conditions lets watch.

The present invention thus creates the EVs themselves as well different techniques for their generation, isolation, handha exercise or treatment and use.  

Fig. 1 is a plan view illustration of an EV-generator with a detection plate for detecting the EV-production;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the EV generator of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of another form of EV-generator;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal section of a wetted metal cathode for use, for example, in the EV generator of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a representation corresponding to FIG. 4 of a further form of a wetted metal cathode;

Fig. 6 is an illustration corresponding to Figs. 4 & 5 of another form of wetted metal cathode;

Fig. 7 is a side elevational a cathode and an anode on a dielectric substrate;

Fig. 8 is a longitudinally partially sectioned illustration of a cylinder symmetrical EV generator with a separating element;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of a planar EV-generator with a release element;

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the separator cover shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a plan view illustration of a planar RC-EV guide;

Fig. 12 is an end plan view of the EV guide of Fig. 11 with a cover;

Fig. 13 is a plan view showing another form of a flat RC-EV-guide;

Fig. 14 is an end plan view of the EV guide of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cylindric symmetrical RC-EV guide;

Fig. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of a further form of cylindrically symmetric RC-EV-guide;

Fig. 17 is a side elevational EV generator thing in common with an EV-guide having a gas environment;

Figure 18 is an end plan view of the generator with the guide of Figure 17;

Fig. 19 is a plan view of an EV guide system using optical reflectors;

Fig. 20 is an exploded view in perspective of an LC EV guide;

Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of another form of LC-EV guide;

Fig. 22 is a plan view of another form of an EV generator in which the cathode is integrally formed with the spreading surface for the EVs within a guide channel;

Fig. 23 is a vertical section of the EV generator of Fig. 22 from the plane 23-23 thereof;

Fig. 24 is a front plan view of the EV generator provided with a cover of Figs. 22 &23;

Fig. 25 is a longitudinal section of a cylinder symmetrical EV generator and starting device;

Figure 26 is a partially longitudinal sectional view of a cylindrically symmetric EV selector and a guide.

Fig. 27 is a plan view of a planar EV-selector;

Fig. 28 is an end plan view of the EV selector of Fig. 27;

Fig. 29 is a plan view illustration of an EV-splitter;

Fig. 30 is an end plan view of the EV divider of Fig. 29;

Fig. 31 is a plan view of another EV-splitter;

Figure 32 is an end plan view of the EV divider of Figure 31 with a cover;

Fig. 33 is a plan view of a variable delay EV divider;

Fig. 34 is a partial vertical section through part of the divider of Fig. 33 from the plane 34-34 thereof;

Fig. 35 is a plan view of a further form of EV-divider with variable delay;

Fig. 36 is a plan view of an EV switch;

Fig. 37 is a vertical section through the EV switch of Figure 36 from the plane 37-37.

Fig. 38 is an end plan view of the switch of Figs. 36 &37;

Fig. 39 is a plan view illustration of an EV-oscilloscope;

Fig. 40 is a top end view of the EV oscilloscope of Fig. 39 with a cover showing the use of an optical magnifier with it;

Fig. 41 is a partially sectioned longitudinal elevation of an electron camera and shows an EV source in front of it;

Fig. 42 is a vertical section through the electron camera of Fig. 41 from its plane 42-42;

Fig. 43 is a side elevation of a camera of the type shown in Figures 41 & 42 for observing an EV oscilloscope and the appearance of a TV camera for observing the image of the output of the electron camera.

Fig. 44 shows diagrammatically the use of several electron cameras for observing the behavior of EVs;

Fig. 45 is a diagrammatic isometric view of a planar multi-electrode EV-generator;

Fig. 46 is a top view of another multi-electrode EV generator;

Fig. 47 is a vertical section through the multi-electrode EV generator of Fig. 46 from the plane 47-47 thereof;

Fig. 48 is an end plan view of the multi-electrode EV generator of Figs. 46 &47;

Figure 49 is a longitudinal section through an "electrodeless" EV source;

Fig. 50 is a diagrammatic illustration of a wall wave tube working with EVs;

Fig. 51 is a diagrammatic top view of a traveling wave circuit working with EVs;

Fig. 52 is a vertical section through a pulse generator using EVs;

Fig. 53 is an end plan view of the pulse generator of Fig. 52;

Fig. 54 is a longitudinal section through a field emission EV generator constructed according to the principle of the pulse generator of Figs. 52 &53;

Fig. 55 shows a plan view of a planar field emission EV-generator;

Fig. 56 is a circuit diagram of the operation of the field emission EV generator of Fig. 55;

FIG. 57 is a longitudinal section through a working EVs with X-ray generator;

Fig. 58 is an exploded isometric view of an operating with EVs gated electron source;

Fig. 59 is an exploded isometric view of an operating with EVs RF source;

Fig. 60 is a schematic pictorial representation of a EVs; and

Fig. 61 is a schematic pictorial representation of a EV- chain.

1. Definition and some properties of EVs

An EV is a discrete, self-contained and negative charged bundle of electrons. Although the configuration of an EV is not yet fully explained, how to derived from numerous observations of the behavior of EVs  has probably been closed off between the Electrons of the bundle acting electromagnetic fields caused. This insight is, of course, in sharp opposition set to a conventional electron beam, whose electrons only by an external electrostatic or magnetic field be held together. As is known, electrons show up as ever because negatively charged, the tendency to repel each other.

It can also be seen that, although the EV is one in itself closed bundle of electrons, it is preferred and im Contrast to an individual behavior in connection with their objects or structures such as other EVs, dielectrics and electrodes and, unless there is such a connection can disintegrate after a certain time.

Among the main features of an EV are its relatively small size (e.g. 1 µm in the lateral dimension, but also more or less down to 0.1 µm) and its high uncompensated electron charge (ie without positive ions or at least with an upper limit of one ion per 10,000 electron charges), which is typically in the order of 10 ¹¹ electron charges. The minimum charge observed for a 1 µm EV was 10 ⁸ electron charges. The charge density of an EV approximates the average density of a solid, ie of the order of magnitude 6.6 × 10 ²³ electron charges / cm ³ , but without space neutralization by ions or relativistic movement. The speed reached by the EV under applied fields (on the order of a tenth of the speed of light) indicates that the charge-to-mass ratio of the EV is similar to that of an electron; the deflection of EVs by fields of known polarity shows that EVs behave like electrons, ie negatively charged structures.

As far as can currently be determined, an EV very likely has an approximately spherical shape; however, it can also be toroidal and have a fine structure. Fig. 60 shows diagrammatically an EV as a central ball 800 from self-contained coherent electrons that surrounds an electromagnetic panel 801. The coupling of the EVs creates quasi-stable structures. Individual EVs are rarely observed. EVs tend to line up like the pearls of a chain, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 61, where the EV pearls in the chain have some freedom to rotate or close under the influence of external or internal forces twist. As has been observed, the chains that are closed form ring-like structures up to 20 microns in diameter, and multiple chains can also combine and align with each other in a relatively orderly manner. In chain 810 of FIG. 61, the ten EVs 812 , 814 , 816 , 818 , 820 , 822 , 824 , 826 , 828 and 830 are shown in a generally circular arrangement. The distance from the EV pearls of a chain normally corresponds to the diameter of the individual pearls, the distance of one chain ring from another in the order of magnitude approximately one ring diameter. A 1 µm ring of ten EV beads (typical number of beads in a ring) can contain 1012 electron charges. Individual EV beads can be observed within a chain ring. An EV structure which essentially corresponds to a non-neutral electron plasma is most strongly bound, the binding force between the EV pearls in a chain being weaker and finally the binding between pearl chains being weakest. However, all of these binding energies appear to be higher than the chemical binding energies of substances. Further properties of EVs are explained below.

2. Generators

An EV can be generated at the end of an electrode to which a sufficiently high negative voltage is applied. Figs. 1 & 2 show a generally designated 10, EV-generator connected to an electrode 12 in the general shape of an elongated rod with a leaking to a tip neck portion 12 a, which is generally directed downwardly to an anode plate 14, a dielectric plate 16 separates from the cathode. As shown in the drawing, the anode or catch electrode 14 is kept at a relatively positive voltage (possibly the ground potential) while a negative pulse of approximately 10 kV is applied to the cathode 12 to be at the tip of the cathode generate a strong electric field. In the resulting field emission at the cathode tip, one or more EVs generally arise approximately where the tip of the cathode approaches the dielectric at A or touches it. The EVs are attracted to the anode 14 and migrate over the surface of the dielectric 16, for example along the path indicated by the dashed line B to the anode, as long as the dielectric surface remains uncharged. The migration of one or more EVs over the dielectric surface can leave them locally charged. A subsequent EV then runs over them along an irregular path unless the surface charge is previously dispersed, as discussed in more detail below. The insulating dielectric plate 16 , which is preferably a high quality dielectric such as quartz, prevents direct discharge of the cathode 12 to the anode 14 and also offers the surface along which the EV can travel.

If desired, a witness plate 18 may be placed on the anode 14 to intercept EVs coming from the cathode 12 . This detection plate 18 can be a conductive film that retains a visible damage point from the impact of an EV. It can therefore serve to determine the generation of EVs as well as their impact points on the anode 14 . Furthermore, an EV running over the dielectric surface leaves a visible streak on it. As discussed below, additional elements can be used together with the generator 10 to handle and / or utilize the EVs generated in this way.

The generator 10 can be arranged in a suitable housing (not shown) and operated as desired in a vacuum or in a controlled gas atmosphere. In general, all of the elements disclosed herein can be placed in suitable housings in this manner to allow the atmosphere in which they are to operate to be selected. Connections or the like. And gas lines can serve to pass electrical signals and a selected gas at the desired pressure through the housing walls.

The dimension of 10 mm indicated in FIG. 1 is typical for EV gene generator components. If EVs are produced and handled in small numbers, they can be manufactured and guided using structurally small devices. Even when larger devices are used, an EV searches for the smallest details of larger structures, is guided by them and interacts very actively with them; it ignores larger details. In a first approximation, the generation and handling of individual EV beads can be accomplished with structures whose dimensions are down to 10 µm.

Generally are for use in building structures Generation, handling and use of EVs very stable work desired materials, including refractory metals and floorboards  trika, which are selected based on the fact that they are binding binders of an EV as close as possible to the usable Le not affect the life of the structures. Some of them electrical materials such as low melting point plastics are not as well suited as others, e.g. ceramics.

With every EV generator, regardless of whether an equal voltage or a pulse signal is applied to the cathode, the Circuit be closed. This is done with an electrode of the EV (except in the case of the "electrodeless" source len discussed below).

Another form of EV generator is shown generally at 20 in FIG. 3 and has a cylindrically symmetrical cathode 22 with a conical end which faces an anode / capture electrode 24 but is spaced apart therefrom and is also cylindrically symmetrical. The working circuit includes a load resistor 26 , through which the anode 24 is grounded, while a current limiting input resistor 28 is connected between the cathode 22 and an input terminal 30 . Additional system parts can be connected to the output connection 32 on the anode 24 - for example a detector device (not shown) such as an oscilloscope with which the opening of EVs on the anode can be determined via the connection 32 .

A housing such as a cylindrical glass bulb 34 can be provided so that the atmosphere in the gap between the cathode 22 and the anode 24 can be adjusted and controlled to a vacuum or a selected gas pressure. The tubular piston 34 can be suitably closed and provided with connecting lines (not shown) to a vacuum pump and / or a gas supply to adjust the atmosphere within the piston.

The cathode 22 can be driven with a negative pulse or with DC voltage of about 2 kV relative to the anode. The duration of the negative pulse can be a few nanoseconds to constant DC voltage without significantly influencing EV production. With large pulse widths, the input resistor 28 must be selected so that no glow discharge can persist in the glass bulb. In a high vacuum or a low pressure of, for example, 10 ^-3 torr, the discharge can be easily extinguished and the resistor 28 can be omitted; in the case of a gas atmosphere with a higher pressure, however, the resistance value must be selected to match the gas pressure in such a way that the discharge is extinguished. A typical resistance value of 500 to 1500 Q is suitable for operation with both vacuum and gas atmosphere and a pulse width of 0.1 µs, for example.

If the generator 20 is operated with a high vacuum, the distance between the cathode 22 and the anode 24 should preferably be less than 1 mm when the 2 kV signal is applied to the cathode. For operation with a gas atmosphere of a few torr, the distance between the cathode 22 and the anode 24 can be increased to more than 60 cm, provided that a ground plane 36 is arranged on the glass bulb, as shown. This ground plane 36 can run partially or completely around the piston 34 . In special applications, the glass bulb 34 can be replaced by other arrangements for guiding EVs, as discussed below, and various circuits can be constructed to take advantage of the properties of the EVs.

3. The cathodes

The cathodes (e.g. 12 and 22 , as discussed above) can be manufactured using any suitable technology (grinding and polishing, including chemical etching) in order to reach a tip that is pointed enough to concentrate a very strong field to allow at their end. Under normal conditions, when the EVs form at the tip of such a metal electrode, the electrode material is scattered and the tip is destroyed by the energy consumed in it; the voltage required to generate EVs then increases. However, the cathode can be connected to a source of a liquid conductor, so that the electrode tip regenerates very quickly. FIG. 4 shows a metal electrode 40 which is wetted by a cathode applied to the conductive substance, so that the coating material can migrate to the electrode tip. The migrating material renews the end of the electrode and it holds the pointed shape while the EVs on it want to erode it. The surface tension of the coating material 42 , its destruction at the tip and the electrical field at the cathode together cause the coating substance to migrate to the tip.

In FIG. 5, the electrode 44 is surrounded by a tube 46, wherein an annular gap 48 remains between the outer surface of the electrode and the inner surface of the tube. This gap 48 receives a supply of the coating material 50 , which is held in it by its surface tension, but wets the cathode and moves to the tip of the cathode, forming a layer 52 thereon, in order to form a sufficiently tapered cathode tip. This tube 46 is preferably non-conductive (for example, alumina ceramic) in order to avoid an undesired electron emission from the tube and an undesired migration of the wetting material along the tube. Otherwise, a conductive tube can also be used, provided that it does not come too close to the cathode tip, since it would then emit electrons. The coating material 50 can generally be any metallic liquid, such as mercury, which migrates over an electrode 44 made , for example, of copper.

The cathodes 40 , 44 of FIGS. 4 and 5 are designed for EV emission from a certain point. The tubular electrode 54 of FIG. 6 is tapered at one end to a sharp circular edge 56 on which EVs are generated. Due to the surface tension, the cylindrical section of the interior of the cathode 54 forms a supply of the coating material 58 , which wets the conical inner surface of the cathode and migrates along it to the emitting edge 56 . The material 58 therefore renews the circular edge 56 so that it remains sufficiently sharp for the EV generation.

For a source that can be repeatedly excited for EV generation, a moving conductor on a conductive substrate is generally required, which is designed to be field-enhancing. The sharp tip of a cathode (see. Fig. 4 or 5) can be further pointed that the metallic Be lay on it from the applied field is pulled out to a microscopic cone. Analogously, the coating material is drawn towards the circular edge in a tube cathode of the type shown in FIG. 6 as a result of field effects and forms a particularly sharp edge with microscopic emitting cone structures there.

In general, one can be used to produce wetted cathodes use a wide variety of materials. For the business of an EV generator at room temperature, the cathode typically as a pointed one coated with mercury Build up copper wire. Alternatively, you can put the mercury on Apply silver or molybdenum. Analogously, gallium, Indium or tin-lead alloys for coating a large Use a large number of substrate metals to create cathodes put. Examples of cathode structures for use at high  Temperatures are aluminum carbide coated for the Operation at 6000 ° C and tungsten coated with boron oxide glass for operating at around 9000.

Non-metallic conductive coverings can also be used the. E.g. are coatings made of potassium or sodium iodide glycerin or from nitroglycerin doped with nitric acid successful on a number of metallic substrates such as copper, Nickel, tungsten and molybdenum have been used. The glycerin will nitrated or doped by the acid and the organic matter given a certain conductivity. If the coating measure only applied to a very thin layer is one However, doping is not necessary for conductivity assessment. The Polarization of the substance is then sufficient to place it in a field to move and pump to a field-enhancing tip.

It can be seen that the operation of a wetted source - especially under subatmospheric pressure or even in a vacuum - is accompanied by evaporation of the wetting material or the development of gaseous products. Depending on the wetting agent, organic or inorganic gases can be generated. The field emission is accompanied by a current in the cathode, which heats it up and allows the wetting agent to evaporate. The field-emitting electrons hit the vapor particles and ionize them. The resulting positive ion cloud further intensifies the field emission up to an explosive "runaway" process, which causes a high local electron density.

Variations on the wetted cathodes can promote migration of the wetting material, return vaporized material to the source, keep the field-generating structure sharp, and / or help to keep the ionization time short to allow high pulse frequencies for EV generation. In order to take advantage of the regeneration offered by wetted cathodes, the pulse frequency of the signal applied to the EV generation at the cathode must be low enough to allow the coating material to migrate to the tip or edge for the purpose of restoration between the pulses. In the case of extensive or line sources such as the circular cathode 54 of FIG. 6, the impulse frequency can, however, be raised to values which are higher than is practical for pointed cathodes, since it is not necessary to cover the entire line between the pulses due to a change in the coating material to regenerate. Some portion of the line cathode generally remains sharp enough for EV generation after EVs have been formed elsewhere on the line.

FIG. 7 shows an EV generator 60 with a ceramic base 60 and a planar (surface) cathode 64 on its one side and a planar anode (counter electrode) 66 on its side in a position facing the cathode. The cathode 64 , which is effectively another form of an expanded line source, can be coated with a metal hydride such as zirconium or titanium hydride to produce EVs. The effectiveness of such a cathode is retained if the hydride is supplied with hydrogen. This is possible by operating the generator (the source) in a hydrogen atmosphere so that the cathode operates in thyratron mode; it is a known hydride regeneration technology. However, since no wetting material flows into the cathode base material, the coating material is dispersed after a certain period of use and the source can no longer be excited. Therefore, a surface source 64 generally has a shorter life than cathodes coated with a migrating wetting agent, such as those shown in Figs. 4-6. Further details of the structure and the way of working a surface generator of the type shown in Fig. 7 are explained below.

4. Separators

In general, the generation of EVs is accompanied by a plasma discharge with ions and disorganized electrons generally where the EVs are formed on the cathode, the plasma charge density being at least 10 ⁶ electron charges / µm ³ and typically 10 ⁸ electron charges / µm ³ . With a relatively small distance between the cathode and the anode of the source, the high plasma density accompanying the EV formation is usually present as a local spark. With increasing distance from cathode to anode, EV generation and transmission is accompanied by the formation of streamers, ie excited ions in a gas state, along the path of an EV, which emit light at electron transitions. As already mentioned, an EV itself has an extremely high total charge density. Typically, a chain ring of ten EV beads, each about 1 µm wide, can contain 10 ¹² electron charges and runs at a point at 1/10 of the speed of light within 10 ^-14 s; this high current density can easily be distinguished from an ordinary electron current. In the case of pulse sources, in addition to the external charge generation that can accompany the EV generation, the formation of an EV is to be expected for each pulse applied to the cathode.

The various components of the EV emergence lying plasma discharge are considered as contamination for the EV and are preferentially detached from the moving EVs separates. This can be done, for example, by moving the EV source into includes a separator or an aperture or small Guide groove between the source and the target (anode) orders. On the jacket is used for EV generation Dete counter electrode arranged. The impurities from the Discharge are then retained within the separator, while the EVs take him through the aperture or groove to the Fangelek can leave trode.  

An EV generator, as shown generally by the reference numeral 70 in FIG. 8, has a cylindrical symmetrical pointed cathode 72, for example made of copper wetted with mercury, and a flat anode 74 and is equipped with a cylindrical symmetrical separator 76 . The separator 76 has a generally tubular element, preferably made of a dielectric such as, for example, an aluminum oxide ceramic, which tapers beyond the tip of the cathode 72 in an area 78 with a frustoconical outer and inner surface (the latter with a smaller cone angle) to an opening 80 which engages around the relatively sharp circular edge at the end of the tubular element. If the tunnel 76 is made of a dielectric material, a counter electrode 82 is formed on the outer surface of the tunnel and is kept at a potential positive to the cathode 72 , while the anode 74 is more positive than the counter electrode. Typically, the voltage values can be in the range of 4 kV, 2 kV and 0 V on the capture anode 74 , the counter electrode 82 and the cathode 72, respectively. The electrode 82 not only provides the positive potential for the formation of the EVs, but also acts as a counterelectrode for the movement of the EVs through the opening 80 , while the offset anode 74 represents, for example, a load and can be replaced by any other payload of any kind. Other materials such as semiconductors can be used to produce the tunnel 76 with suitable insulation from the cathode 72 . In these cases, the tunnel material itself can serve as a counter electrode.

Since an EV influences an image charge in a dielectric separator 76 , it is attracted to the dielectric surface. The various contaminants of the generating discharge (including electrons and ions) can be repelled with the tunnel separator 76 and at the same time the EVs towards the tunnel attract. The EVs then exit through the opening 80 of contaminants that are retained within the separator 76 . The cross section of the opening 80 must be selected so that it allows the EVs to exit, but at the same time so narrow that it retains the contaminants from the discharge and prevents them from passing through them.

The construction of the generator 70 with a tubular separator 76 with a small opening 80 is relatively expedient for the use of different atmospheres between the cathode 72 and the anode 74 . E.g. a vacuum or a selected gas pressure may prevail on the outlet side of the opening 80 of the separator 76 . Inside the separator 76 , in which the Ka method 72 is arranged, can be connected to a different vacuum or gas area from the outlet side, if desired. Suitable pumping devices can be provided to maintain the desired atmospheres.

While the separator 76 shown and described above is funnel-shaped, it has been found that a square box (not shown) with a small opening similar to the opening 80 for passage of the EVs is well suited to isolate the EVs from the rest of the electrical discharge separate, which, as already explained, can be electrons, positive and negative ions, neutral particles and photons.

Fig. 9 shows generally with the reference numeral an EV generator with a separator for use in a planar Ge generator structure. A dielectric base 86 is provided with a surface cathode 88 . A separator in the form of a dielectric cover 90 extends over and beyond the cathode 88 and terminates in an inclined outer surface which, together with a flat, inclined inner surface, forms a relatively sharp edge which is a short distance 92 above the base 86 ends. As shown in FIG. 10, the separator 90 is also tapered in the transverse direction at the edge towards the gap 92 and furthermore has walls 94 which, together with the slanted inner surface, delimit the space enclosed between the separator gate cover and the base 86 . The flat outer surface of the cover 90 is partially coated with a counter electrode 96 , which runs down about 2/3 of the length of the inclined outer surface of the cover and a ge compared to the cathode 80 leads to positive potential for generating and moving EVs. A target anode 98 on the opposite side of the ceramic base 86 catches the EVs and can be replaced by another load for handling and / or using the generated EVs.

The separator 90 operates essentially like the separator 76 of FIG. 8 in that the EVs generated on the cathode 88 in FIG. 9 are attracted by the counterelectrode 96 on the cover 90 to the opening 92 , while contaminants from the discharge within the cover 96 remain. Alternatively, the cathode 88 can be placed in a groove (not shown) which extends over the rear of the cover 90 and the cover on the base 86 . A small groove may be provided on the underside of the cover or on the base in area 92 to allow EVs to leave the enclosing cover. The groove of the cathode 88 can continue through the area 92 so that the EVs can exit under the cover 90 . Furthermore, the counter electrode 96 can be omitted if the anode 98 runs to the left (in FIG. 9) under the region 92 .

The base 86 and the cover 90 can be made of ceramic material such as aluminum oxide, while the counter electrode 96 and the anode 98 can be a conductive layer made of silver, for example, baked onto the ceramic substrate. The cathode 88 can be made, for example, of silver burned onto the dielectric and can be wetted with mercury.

Other coating methods for creating conductor tracks such as vapor deposition ("thermal evaporation") or sputtering can be used to form the counter electrodes of the two separators 76 and 90 in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively. The openings represented by the separators must be small enough to allow the passage of EVs, but to retain the contaminants from the discharge. E.g. , the opening 80 of the separator 76 in FIG. 8 for a generator operating at 2 kV with a circular lip thickness of about 0.025 cm a diameter of about 0.05 mm have. The lip and opening dimensions of the separator 90 of FIG. 9 can be of the same order of magnitude. In both cases, smaller openings allow lower voltages, but still filter out the impurities effectively. In general, the exact cross-sectional shape of the separator is not primarily important for its filter function.

5. RC guides

In general, an anode interacts with a cathode in the production of an electrical potential suitable for generating EVs and can serve as a target or load of the generator on which the EVs strike. In general, the EVs do not strike a counter electrode; rather, it serves to control or influence the EVs and can be provided when generating EVs. E.g. the counter electrodes 82 and 96 of FIGS. 8 and 9 contribute to subtracting the EVs from the area of EV formation at the respective cathode. However, the EVs continue to run and potentially strike the anode 74 and 98 , respectively, although both counter electrodes 82 , 96 also contribute to the EV formation with their voltage. As discussed in more detail below, an EV can run on or near a surface of a dielectric that has been introduced into its propagation path. If a plane or counterelectrode with a suitable positive potential is arranged relative to the generating cathode on the opposite side of the dielectric, the EV on the cathode side is drawn through the dielectric through it to the counterelectrode. This attraction can be utilized to influence the path of the EVs along the dielectric, as in the following - in particular in the case of RC (resistor / - capacity -) - guides for EVs - explained in more detail.

If an EV is directed onto a dielectric structure, on the other side of which is a counter electrode or an anode with a relatively positive potential, the EV can seemingly run randomly over the surface of the dielectric. The train of the EV, however, is affected by local electrical effects like that dielectric polarizability and surface charge, the Surface topology, the thickness of the dielectric and the An trapping potential of the counter electrode and its conductivity Right. The main mechanism that controls the movement of Influenced EVs on dielectric surfaces is the polari sibility of the dielectric, as a result of which an image power ent that attracts the EV towards the dielectric, but not it moved. Even if a counter electrode with a suitable butt is potentially missing, the influenced image charge draws an EV Surface of the dielectric. However, the EV cannot penetrate into the dielectric. Hence the EV shows the Nei enough to travel across the surface of the dielectric; he  if an edge or corner is enough, it will be this in general circle my. As mentioned earlier, EVs show the tendency to follow subtle structural details, and this manifests itself the guiding effect that surface scratches and flaws exert. In general it can be said that when two dielek surfaces or planes at an angle of less than 180 ° the EV is guided along the cutting line.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show, generally at 100, an EV-Führungsbau in part with a dielectric base member 102 with a glat th groove 104, which improves the lead. A planar counterelectrode 106 covers most of the surface of the base 102 opposite the groove 104 and can be held at a positive potential relative to the emitting cathode, which is generally directed to one end of the groove. The guide 100 can be used, for example, together with an EV generator of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a separator of the type shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. However, such a guide 100 is suitable for use with virtually any EV source and other system parts. An optional cover 108, also made of dielectric material, is shown in FIG. 11 and placed on the base 102 over the groove 104 .

The groove 104 need only be a few micrometers wide and deep to carry EVs in small numbers. However, with increasing performance to be managed and the number of EVs to be managed, there is no longer enough space; the groove must then be enlarged. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 104 is not of fundamental importance for its ability to carry EVs. With a generator, the in Figs. 1 & 2 or Fig. Kind EVs generated 3 shown, of a separator in Fig. 8 or FIG. Kind shown 9 and 10 in a guide member shown in Figs. 10 11 and 11, which has a dielectric base made of fused silica or aluminum oxide with a total thickness of 0.254 mm and a groove 104 with a depth and width of 0.05 mm each, the guiding effect can be demonstrated.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show, generally at 110 is a modification of a planar guide with a dielectric base 112 with a dielectric tile 114, which is mounted on the base and appropriately set on it. The intersection of the surface of the base 112 with the surface of the tile at an angle of 900 (ie, half, for example, the groove 104 of FIGS. 11 & 12) results in a 900 V notch along which EVs can travel. However, the guiding effect is enhanced by the chamfer shown of about 450 along the base facing tile surface, which results in the groove generally shown at 116 . A counter electrode 118 is arranged on the side of the base 112 opposite the tile 114 . A plurality of tiles 114 with a chamfered edge to form a groove 116 , for example, can be arranged along the base 112 in a mosaic pattern in order to create a longer walking path. The guide 110 can be used together with virtually any other system part for the generation, handling and / or use of EVs.

The guiding effect on an EV can be improved by using a tubular dielectric guide, in the interior of which it moves. Fig. 15 shows a tubular dielectric guide 120 with a circular cross-section, smooth inner surface 122 and a counter electrode 124 acting coating on the outside. The cross-sectional area of the interior 122 should be slightly larger than the EV pearl or pearl necklace to be guided in order to achieve the best propagation properties.

The glass bulb 34 with the surrounding ground surface 36 , which is shown with the generator 20 in FIG. 3, represents a guide of the type shown in FIG. 15. For other applications, a different type of guide can be used instead of the piston 34 of FIG. 3 use.

FIG. 16 shows a guide which is constructed generally as an inverse of that of FIG. 14, namely with a tubular dielectric element 126 with an interior 128 which is coated on the inside with an inner counter electrode 130 ; the generally cylindrical outer surface 132 serves as a guide surface which interacts with the dielectric structure itself and the counter electrode 130 . In this case, an EV can run along the outer surface and is attracted to the guide by the image charge that is influenced by itself and by the counter electrode 130 held at a relatively positive potential.

In general, the dielectric guides of FIGS. 11-16, as well as other dielectric components, can be doped to give them limited conductivity and thus limit or control stray charges, as discussed in more detail below. An EV running within the leading structure of an RC guide generates a temporary charge on it, as already stated, and another EV will not enter the upload area of the first EV immediately until it has disappeared from the dielectric after the EV has passed through.

If the groove or tunnel used as a guide through or over a dielectric material is too narrow in cross-section compared to the size of an EV, the EV moving along the guide can effectively cut into the guide material to increase its travel to widen. After an EV drills a channel in this way, the dielectric material of subsequent EVs in the guide is not further damaged. Typically, a channel with a side dimension of approximately 20 µm receives EVs without drilling. This value corresponds approximately to the lateral expansion of a chain made of EV beads which is closed to form a ring and which can be produced with a given source. The Füh rungsnut can be in cross-section larger or smaller exporting ren to - be able to accommodate larger or smaller EVs - depending on the conditions of their production.

6. Guided tours with gas atmosphere

All of the guides shown in FIGS. 11-16 can be used in a vacuum or in a selected gas atmosphere. The use of a gas at low pressure can have another benefit in the manner in which beaded EVs are made.

In some cases, EVs formed from high power sources can be composed of beads in a chain configuration. Such a chain grouping will not move particularly well on a certain fixed guide surface, due to the very close coupling of the pearls in the chain and the disruption of locomotion due to surface irregularities. In a low-pressure gas atmosphere typically from about 10 ^-3 torr to 10 ^-2 torr and more, the EV chain is raised a relatively short distance from the dielectric surface and can then no longer be disturbed by it, so that the efficiency of locomotion improves. For a given applied voltage, EVs can then be formed at a greater distance from the cathode to the anode and these can also cover greater distances between the electrodes. Insights gained with detection plates seem to indicate that a chain moving relatively free of a solid surface appears to spread out and move as a circular ring, lying in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel. With increasing gas pressure, the EV can be lifted further from the solid surface. For gas pressures of more than a few torr, EVs generally lift off completely from the solid surface so that the flat surface no longer acts as a guide. A guiding effect can, however, also be achieved with such higher gas pressures in EVs which run along the inside of a closed guide, as shown, for example, in FIG. 15.

Although a variety of gases appear to be useful in creating the lift effect on EVs and EV configurations, gases with high atomic numbers such as xenon and mercury show particularly favorable behavior. The improved guiding effect on such individual EVs and EV configurations applies both to the interior of dielectric guiding spaces, as shown in FIGS. 11-15, and to individual planar surfaces.

The Fig. 17 & 18 show a guide, with which a gas "cushion" to be exploited to keep lifted to EVs of guide surfaces, but also has a groove or trough-like guide structure. The "gas" guide, shown generally at 136 , has a trough-like depression in a dielectric block 138 , which can be made, for example, of glazed porous ceramic. The dielectric block 138 has a counterelectrode 140 on the bottom of the block and further coatings made of resistance material 142 (as described below in the section "suppression of surface charges") on the lower inner surfaces of the recess or groove to prevent movement to counteract the EVs along the surface thus coated from the recess in block 138 . The 99999 00070 552 001000280000000200012000285919988800040 0002003803737 00004 99880 guide 136 is connected to a gas supply line 144 by means of a fitting 146 , through the inner passage 148 of which the feed from a source (not shown) optionally selectable gas can reach the bottom of the block 138 . The dielectric block 138 is not glazed at the base of the channel 148 in the fitting, so that the gas can penetrate into the porous block. The glaze and the resistance covering 142 are scratched or cut through at the bottom of the V-shaped recess so that gas can escape from the interior of the block there. The entire arrangement is enclosed for adjustment and control of the atmosphere in a housing to which a suction pump system is connected in order to withdraw gas escaping from block 138 . Gas introduced into the porous block 138 through the fitting 146 thus emerges again along the bottom of the recess and forms a gas pressure gradient when spreading upward. The gas concentration in the recess therefore decreases from the bottom to the top. A pointed cathode 150, such as, for example, a copper wire wetted with mercury, runs down to the bottom of the recess until just above the resistance coating 142 ; the tip of the cathode can be held a short distance above the dielectric material of the bottom of the recess.

In operation, a negative pulse signal of about 2 kV (or more if the cathode tip is not pointed enough) can be applied to the cathode 150 while the counter electrode 140 is at ground potential. that is, held relatively positive to generate EVs at the cathode tip located within the recess formed in the electrical block 138 where the gas pressure is highest. The EVs run along the recess while a selected gas is supplied from supply line 144 , and the EVs lift off in the gas layer immediately above the bottom of the recess, still depending on the image charge or force of the dielectric material and the Potential of the counter electrode 140 are attracted to block 138 . The wedge-shaped gas pressure gradient in the recess or groove encloses or "focuses" the gas cushion to help keep the EVs within the extent of the groove. A sufficient gradient is also maintained if the recess is replaced by a flat surface with a corresponding incision in the glaze and in the resistance covering 142 . Together with the image power and the potential of the counter electrode, this gradient causes EVs to be guided along the dielectric block immediately above the notches in the coverings. From the previous discussion of the effects of low gas pressure on the movement of EVs over dielectric surfaces it can further be seen that EVs stand out from such a guide surface even without a gas pressure gradient.

7. Optical guides

An EV that moves through a pure low-pressure gas phase when there are no RC guide structures is accompanied by the formation of a visible streamer. Streamer seems - ver presumably due to the ionization of the gas by the Streamer - to run ahead a narrow band of light. In any case, the EV follows the path set by the streamer, while the streamer appears to follow the movement of light. Such an effect also occurs when, for example EVs over a guide surface in a gaseous atmosphere -. For example, xenon gas -. Move. If an EV runs on or over a surface, it moves in a straight line if the surface is very clean (surface charge effects disappear after an EV passes through a gas atmosphere). The leading light from the streamer forms a straight path, which the streamer and thus also the EV follow. If this light path is deflected by objects on the surface, the streamer is also deflected and the EV follows the new path. A minor disturbance is sufficient to initiate the change of route. After the path has been described, it will be retained for further use as long as the streamer exists.

Fig. 19 shows an optical guide for use in a gas atmosphere. A left-to-right path 154 is marked on a dielectric plate 152 , as shown in FIG. 19. The path 154 can be a scratch mark on the surface of the plate 152 or an actual guide groove in it. A counter electrode (not visible) at a suitable potential can be attached to the underside of the dielectric material 152 in order to support the movement of EVs over the dielectric surface. A reflective surface 156 is in the path of the EVs via the dielectric surface 152 (dashed line) and reflects light falling thereon (apparently according to the laws of optics) with the result that the EV path is also deflected, such as shown. A second re reflecting surface 158 in the path of the deflected light path deflects it again so that an EV follows the light path - shown in broken lines - under the guidance of both reflectors.

Both optical reflectors 156 , 158 preferably reflect on the front surface and consist of a material having a high dielectric constant and good reflection in the UV range. the reflection angle determines the EV path in individual cases. A change in the direction of the light path changes the direction of the streamer and the EV follows the streamer on the path determined by light. A gas pressure of several torr above the electrical surface can be used where the EVs move and are properly guided. The reflectors 156 , 158 need only have a side dimension of a fraction of a millimeter.

The optical guide arrangement shown in FIG. 19 and any modification thereof can be used together with any of the possible EV generators and other components. Furthermore, optical reflectors such as reflectors 156 , 158 can be combined with any other components. E.g. For example, a guide arrangement with tubular guides of the type shown in FIG. 15 can have optical reflectors at the ends of the guide tubes.

8. LC guides

If an EV approaches a circuit element, the potential drops on this off. This lower potential reduces it Attraction to the EV so that it can be used with one out of one whose direction acting higher attraction are steered can. Inductive elements react particularly sensitively Potential changes in the presence of an EV; this effect leaves to create an LC (inductance / resistance) guide exploit for EVs.

Fig. 20 shows generally at 160 in an exploded view of a three-stage quadrupole EV-structure with three Führungsele elements 162, which are separated from each other by two spacers ge 164th The guide elements 162 each have an outer frame and four pole pieces 162 a , 162 b , 162 c , 162 d , which protrude toward the center of the frame, but end shortly before it, leaving a central pass band. EVs or EV chains enter the guide assembly from one end of the group, as indicated by arrow C , generally perpendicular to the alignment plane of each of the guide elements.

As shown, the four poles 162 a - d are arranged opposite one another to pairs that are quite angled to one another. Each of the poles has sufficient inductance to allow a potential drop when the EV approaches. The closer an EV gets to a given pole, the higher its potential drop. If, for example, an EV comes closer to the lower pole 162 a than to the upper pole 162 c , it causes a greater potential drop in the lower pole than in the opposite upper pole, with the result that the EV is closer to the further distant pole 162 c is attracted towards the closer pole 162 a . Overall, a force acts on the EV that moves it upward with the tendency to compensate for the potential drops in the opposite poles 162 a and 162 c . A corresponding effect results in the side poles 162 b , 162 d when the EV approaches one of them more closely than the other. A net restoring force pushes the EV towards the middle between the two opposite pole surfaces in the vertical and horizontal. Overshoots of the EV from the center area in one of the directions bring the potential drops back into imbalance and cause a restoring force that the EV wants to center between the poles. It can be seen that the total restoring force also arises when the EV runs out of the center of the passage between the pole faces in a different direction, not the horizontal or vertical direction and causes uneven potential drops in the four poles, so that this restoring force always has a vertical and a horizontal component, which is determined by the imbalance of the potentials of the opposite quadrupoles in the two pairs.

Such a restoring force centering the EV as it passes through a given one of the guide elements 162 can thus be generated with each guide element. With an arrangement of such quadrupole guide elements 162 consequently restoring forces occur over the entire length of the arrangement, with the result that the quadrupole element arrangement acts as an EV guide, which wants to keep the trajectory of the EV centered between opposite Quadru pole faces. The spacers 164 merely provide a mechanism for keeping the quadrupoles of successive guide elements 162 at a distance from one another. The overall arrangement of the guide elements 162 and spacers 164 can be designed as a laminate, for example by the former lying directly on the latter. It can also be seen that the LC guide of FIG. 20 can be made as long as can be used with further guide elements 162 and spacers 164 .

An LC guide such as that shown in Fig. 20 can be made in many times the shape and also with a different number of poles. In practice, the poles shown in FIG. 20 are similar to delay lines along the axis of a pair of opposing poles. After an EV has undergone a pole set, the potential of which rises - depending on the time constant of the LC circuit - again; eventually the potential vibrations will subside. The time function of the guide elements must be selected so that, for example, the passage of subsequent EVs is possible. Furthermore, it can be seen that the LC guide of FIG. 20 operates without the need to generate special mirror image forces as in the case of the dielectric of an RC guide to correct the position of a traversing EV, although the operating mechanism of an LC guide works can be interpreted in such a way that image forces are generated on a total scale. Indeed, the guide members 162 and spacers 164 are conductive, not dielectric.

The coupling between the moving EV and the guide 160 determines the limits of the dimensions of the guide for a given size - and thus load - of the EV. If, for example, the guide 160 is too large in cross section, it cannot sufficiently steer the EV; too small a guide does not offer enough time and space for changes in direction. Whether the guide 160 is too large or too small, its coupling with the EV results in unstable movement of the same, its destruction and damage to the guide. One factor that can be used to construct an LC guide 160 of the type shown in FIG. 20 is to consider the poles as quarter-wavelength structures on the approach frequency of the EV to be guided. This frequency is mainly determined from the speed of the EV and its distance from the steering or pole elements 162 a - d . Since the diameter of the guide 160 is related to the coupling coefficient, there is also a relationship between the diameter of the guide and the spacing of the elements 162 a - d . With such a guide, the quarter-wave elements 162 a - d can be operated with DC voltage or a fixed potential without charge effects. While an LC guide can generally be made as large or as small as is necessary to accommodate and couple with the EVs to be guided in their present size, the speed range for the movement of the EVs to be guided with a given guide is not arbitrary wide.

It can be seen that the larger, for example, the number of EVs in a leading chain, the greater the level of performance that the leadership must take up. In general, an EV that needs an RC guide with a cross section of 20 µm requires a slightly larger LC guide. The distance between the guide electrodes or poles (for example 162 a-d of FIG. 20) would then also be close to 20 μm. Elements of this size cannot be expected to be suitable for high performance. Although multiple units can be connected in parallel to handle a flow of EVs, it can be more economical in terms of material utilization and processing to adapt the EV structure to a larger guide by scale changes. This change in scale is primarily a function of the EV generator or the charge summing circuits, which follow the possibly used multiple generators.

The type of LC guide shown in FIG. 20 can be varied geometrically and electrically in many cases. The shown Ausfüh tion is preferred for relatively large sizes and a structure by lamination. Other manufacturing processes can be used for smaller dimensions and in particular structures for which layer manufacturing processes are suitable. Fig. 21 shows an exploded view of an LC guide which has been produced by such a layer process.

The planar EV guide 170 of the LC type has three guide layers with an upper and a lower guide 172 and 174 and a guide system 176 arranged between them. The upper guide 172 has a pair of elongated ele elements 178 , which are combined by cross members 180 into a ladder-like structure. Correspondingly, the lower guide has longitudinal elements 182 which connect the transverse elements 184 to one another. The intermediate guide system 176 has two elongated elements 186 , from each of which a series of lugs or pole pieces 188 protrude.

If the three guide elements 172-176 are laid on top of one another in layers, the upper and lower cross elements 180 and 184 cooperate with the pole pieces 188 lying between them, forming a tunnel-like passage through the group of cross elements and pole pieces. In such a construction, the EV trajectory is limited laterally in that the conductive pole pieces resemble 188 quarter-wave lines. In the arrangement shown, the vertical limitation is carried out by the transverse elements 180 , 184 , which each work as short-circuited half-wavelength lines. The overall guide 170 therefore functions as a type of slot, waveguide or delay structure.

Since the guide 170 is very active electrically and will certainly radiate vigorously, it can be closed off at the top and bottom with conductive levels for shielding. As shown, the conductive shielding surfaces 190 , 192 are provided as the top and bottom layers of the layer structure. Since there is in principle no need for a potential difference between the guide elements 172-176 , they can be connected to one another at the edges or, if desired, also insulated from one another using spacers.

In general, most generators are jerky EVs did not generate regular intervals, although in in some cases the distance between them affects. However, LC guides offer a ge for the continuous EVs know synchronization. The average speed of one LC guidance through EVs or EV chains is with the Fre sequence of the guided tour and the distances between the individual EVs or EV chains synchronize with the spatial period of the Guide. The periodi thus generated by the leadership electrical field causes the EV current to bundle, by accelerating slow EVs in itself and fast EVs in slows down.

When the first EVs enter an LC guide is during the electromagnetic field for a short time interval strong synchronization too weak. With increasing field The synchronization becomes more effective. The quality factor "Q" of the guide as a cavity determines the swing in and swing out duration. If the Q is too high, the cavity breaks through. For there is an optimal LC guide as a synchronizer Fill factor. If the filling is low, the synchronization is not effective enough, with high filling there is a risk of Breakthrough and disruption of leadership.

Better synchronization can be achieved if the synchronizer is more loosely coupled to the EVs than, for example, the guides of FIGS . 20 and 21. Such a loose coupling is obtained by using a slotted cavity that has small slots on one side of the conductor space . The arrangement then works at a lower frequency and a larger bandwidth. Such an arrangement is disclosed below as an RF source.

9. Surface sources

Figs. 22-24 show three views of a EV-generator with a surface source and a guide. In general, in order to guide EVs on or on surfaces, they have to be coupled from the source (or the preceding component) to the surface in question. In the case of a generator working with cathodes, for example of the type shown in FIGS. 4-6, the source can be arranged at a short distance from the reproductive area and thus a useful coupling can be achieved. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 22-24, the EV source is designed in one piece with the guide for improved coupling, along which the EVs are to propagate.

In particular, the combination of generator and guide is shown at 200 and has a dielectric base 202 with a guide groove 204 and a planar or surface cathode 206 , which is embedded in the guide groove near one end thereof. A surface anode / counter electrode 208 is arranged on the opposite side of the dielectric base 202 from the groove 204 and the cathode 206 and serves to generate the EVs and to propagate them along the groove. FIG. 24 shows an optional cover 210 for resting on the grooved surface of the base 202 ; this cover can also be used without a seal, provided the surfaces are flat and smooth enough. To prevent charges from accumulating in the covered guide channel, cover 210 is coated with a charge-scattering material such as doped alumina, as discussed in more detail below.

In practice, the dielectric base 202 can be a plate or substrate made of aluminum oxide with a thickness of approximately 0.25 mm, which contains a guide groove 204 with a depth and width of approximately 0.1 mm each. The metal coatings for the cathode 206 and the counter electrode 208 can, for example, consist of silver paste burned onto the ceramic. The silver cathode can be wetted with mercury by rubbing the latter onto it. With these dimensions, the working voltage for generating EVs and their propagation along the guideway 204 is approximately 500 V. The use of thin-film processes for producing a thinner dielectric substrate 202 also allows lower working voltages. In such layer production processes, aluminum can be used for the dielectric and molybdenum can be used for the metal electrodes 206 , 208 , which is evaporated onto the aluminum oxide substrate. In this case, mercury can also be used for cathode wetting, since ion bombardment can bring molybdenum into a state in which it can be wetted by mercury. This bombardment can be a direct bombardment of the molybdenum surface. Alternatively, one can bombard argon ions with mercury in the vicinity of the molybdenum surface and thus clean the latter so far that it accepts mercury. A small amount of nickel can be evaporated onto the molybdenum surface in order to facilitate cleaning of the surface by direct or indirect mercury bombardment, since mercury and molybdenum do not have a high solubility. The combination of molybdenum and mercury is preferred over silver (or copper) and mercury because silver and copper dissolve too easily in mercury; in a thin-film circuit, they would be quickly replaced.

Since the source cathode 206 is effectively formed in one piece with the dielectric substrate 202 in the guide groove 204 , the cathode is suitably coupled to it, ie the transition of an EV from the generation area at the cathode into and along the guide groove takes place with minimal energy loss of the EVs. Furthermore, the cathode 206 , which is wetted with mercury or the like, works self-sharpening or self-regenerating, so that its front edge, where the EVs originate, always remains sharp. The cathode 206 is an extended or line source, so that the pulse frequencies used for EV generation can be higher than with a point source, since regeneration based on migration of the liquid metal with an expansion source, such as already mentioned, is not required between all pulses.

It can be seen that the expanded cathode 206 is identical to the cathode 64 shown in FIG. 7, which is also applied directly to a ceramic base 62 . The method of such line cathodes is based on marginal field effects on the edges of the cathode, which exert a sharpening effect on the movable wetting material. As a result, it can always be expected that one or more relatively moderately sharp structures will be present that produce a field emission that initiates EV formation. The working voltage of such a source is therefore relatively low.

10. The suppression of surface charges

After an EV is created, it can have electrons due to the relatively weak binding of such electrons to Time of education or by any other process such as moving the EV over a rough surface area. In the latter case in particular, the lost ones Electrons spread over the surface and EVs that later walk past the loaded surface area, ver exert slow field effects. To eliminate this waiter There are several methods available for surface charges.

The dielectric substrate (the base) in an EV generator or an RC tour, for example, which is a collection of Experiences surface charges, can be made conductive enough that the surface charge through the substrate to the anode  or counter electrode is derived. The resistance of the The base must be low enough that the accumulated waiter surface charge can flow off before that on the one that the Had caused surface charge, the following EV arrives. The However, surface resistance cannot be arbitrarily low, because the conductivity to the anode or counter electrode is too high would destroy this subsequent EV.

In order to achieve the desired mass conductivity of the substrate, the dielectric material - for example aluminum oxide - can be coated with any of the resistance materials that are usually used for the production of thick-film resistors, provided that the resistance is not far below 200 Ω / square. Such a resistance coating is usually a glass frit with a metal component and is applied to the surface by screen printing and then fired at elevated temperature. Where intensive EV activity occurs using high fields and possibly strong temperature gradients, such glass materials tend to breakdown and are therefore unsatisfactory. In such cases, in particular, a layer of aluminum oxide can be added to the dielectric component, which layer is doped with chromium, tungsten or molybdenum, for example, in order to establish sufficient conductivity. In this way, the desired mass conductivity of the dielectric is achieved. The effectiveness of this measure is improved if the thickness of the substrate is reduced.

The photoemission spectrum of a decaying EV is rich UV light and soft x-rays when the disorder affects the Decay of the EV has been strong. The absorption spec The strand of the photoconductor produced should be this high-energy one Products. Because electrons scatter and the low electron mobility in the photoconductor causes that the photoconductive process is slower than EVs through blue fen, discharges the waiter left by a decaying EV surface charge only appears a short time after it has passed a specific location on the surface; for its continuation there is therefore no danger to the anode. In addition to this UV and X-ray emission excites part of the electron emission an EV near a surface in the dielectric material Fluorescence on; the fluorescent light then contributes to activation tion of the photoconductivity process.

Another method to suppress surface charges through photoconductivity is the use of diamond-like Koh lenstoff for the dielectric component. Such a thing Material has an energy band gap of about 3 eV and can be therefore stimulate photoconductivity. Such carbon material  can also be very easily with carbon in graphite form dope to increase the conductivity of the substrate.

Another method of distributing the surface charge is the use of a conductivity made by bombardment. Such conduction effects are caused by the EVs coming from very fast electrons, which is sufficient penetrate thin dielectric layer and bom the anode bard so that the dielectric applied to the anode becomes conductive. The conductivity of the dielectric takes ef effective when the high-speed electron current in the Dielek trical to a large number of slower electrons changes. The dielectric material is used for such a optimized action by making it sufficiently thin and with little traps or detention points. These traps can are initially and thermally or optically cleared released in operation by the electric field.

In general, the geometry of the dielectric substrate the effectiveness of making it conductive for the purpose of sub influence the pressure of surface charges - for example in the case the photoconductivity and one made by bombardment Conductivity.  

11. Launcher

Some applications or structures require it or desirably, an EV in a vacuum or in a gas atmosphere re to transport an EV over a gap - e.g. the gap between a cathode and an anode or a guide structure. An EV can be transported across a gap by applying an appropriate voltage to the the EV attracts from one area to another. Such However, applied voltage can be a power for the system loss or a possibly undesirable energy for the EV represent casting growth. The required amount to be created Voltage can be reduced to reduce the energy loss of the System by making the EV do without substantial energy increase to leave the cathode area and running into a counter electrode area, for example. This can be achieved by moving the EV through an area can reproduce where the field at the desired voltage is strong so that the field separates the EV from the surface, over which it had moved and to which it adhered.

Fig. 25 shows, generally at 216, the structure of the launcher, to EVs (eg. 220) to a gap between an EV-generator 218 and an EV-guide can be brought. The generator 218 has a dielectric base that is generally tubular, but tapers to a conical shape at its front end and eventually tapers to a tip 222 . A counter electrode 224 is formed in the dielectric base by a coating of conductive material on the inner surface of the base in its conical area, which still partially protrudes into the cylindrical part of the base. A portion of the exterior of the dielectric base is coated with conductive material to form a cathode 226 . The cathode 226 runs along the cylindrical part of the base and on its conical end, but not as far in the longitudinal direction as the counter electrode 224 . By ending the cathode 226 shortly before the end of the conical tip 222 , the leading edge of the cathode on which the EVs are formed is kept relatively close to the anode 224 . Furthermore, the trimmed cathode 226 has a larger EV generating area than would be the case if the cathode were to extend to the tip 222 of the base. The fringe field effect around the leading edge of cathode 226 near anode 224 is used in the production of EVs. The counter electrode in the cylindrical part of the base extends further to the left than the cathode covers its cylindrical outer surface.

The tubular guide element 220 , which is generally constructed like the tubular guide in FIG. 15, is coated on the outer surface with conductive material to form a counter electrode which extends over almost the entire length of the guide element. The counter electrode 228 does not extend to the ends of the guide element 220 so that the EVs do not spread on it. The generator 218 facing the end of the guide member 220 has a conical inner surface 230 so that the generator tip can be inserted ments in the conical end of Führungsele 222, while maintaining a distance between two bodies. The guide element 220 can also be constructed to completely surround the generator, so that the counter electrode 228 is kept away from the region of the cathode.

In operation, a suitable potential difference is placed between the cathode 226 and the counter electrode 224 of the generator 218 to generate one or more EVs that detach from the front end of the cathode and under the influence of the field built up by the potential difference to the tip 222 hike. The EVs should exit generator 218 and enter guide 220 . Thereafter, they can continue along the interior of the guide 220 , at least partially under the influence of the field built up on the guide by the counter electrode 228 , as explained above. The taper of the generator end and the relative arrangement of the generator cathode 226 and the counter electrode 224 result in the EVs at the generator tip 222 being exposed to a strong field, so that they detach from the base of the generator 218 . The EVs are thus effectively thrown off the generator tip 22 at the beginning of the guidance and continue to run under the influence of the guidance.

In practice, the cathode 226 can be suitably wetted with a conductive liquid metal as mentioned above. The counter electrode 228 of the guide can be operated with the same potential as the counter electrode 224 of the generator; Different potentials are possible. The extraction voltage applied to the counterelectrode 228 of the guide is an essential part of the production process; without them, the generator will not generate the EVs effectively. The Ex traction voltage is normally at ground potential when the cathode 226 is operated with a negative voltage. If negative pulses are applied to the cathode 226 to generate the EVs, the generator counter electrode 224 can be connected to ground potential. The movable wetting metal is drawn into a thin ring at the end of the cathode 226 closest to the tip 22 . The EVs arise around the cathode area so that at high pulse frequencies the EV generation is accompanied by a constant glow around the cathode end.

As an example of the construction of a launching device or a launcher of the type shown in FIG. 25, the dielectric body of the generator 218 can be made of an aluminum oxide ceramic with a thickness of 0.1 mm in the region of the conical end, ie at the metal-wetted cathode end and for mechanical strength - be made a little thicker along the cylindrical shaft of the base. The counter electrode 224 and the cathode can be a baked silver paste coating on the surface of the dielectric body, as already stated. Both the inside and the outside of the conical end of the base 218 are finely tapered to increase the field strength at the tip 222 and thus cause an EV to peel off as it approaches this area. The distance between the generator tip 222 and the closest inner surface of the guide element 220 can be of the order of 1 mm or less. With this dimension, an EV can form and detach at the generator tip 222 at a potential difference of 500 V between the generator counterelectrode 224 and the cathode 226 . A gas pressure of about 10 ^-2 torr lifts the EV from the dielectric surface of the generator base 218 and facilitates its transfer and further movement to the guide 220 ; it even allows the cathode pulse to be attenuated up to 200 V. Gases with a high molecular weight such as xenon and mercury are particularly suitable for this function.

It can be seen that the distance between the guide 220 and the generator 218 can be adjusted. In a given application under vacuum or in a selected gas atmosphere that requires sealed operation, these movements can be performed by a number of different methods.

While a generally cylindrically symmetrical launcher 218 has been shown and explained here, it can be seen that this throwing technique is applicable to EV generation and handling components of all kinds. E.g. may be the use in Figs. 22-24 planar generator shown with guide Launcher this technique to, for example, the large gap to overcome a subsequent management, in particular when a low voltage is used for generating the EVs.

In general, EVs can be generated and set in motion at lower voltages if the dimensions of the components are reduced. For low-voltage operation, the use of layer production processes to manufacture the system parts is desirable. For example, for a planar launcher, an anode can be produced by lithographic methods and then provided with layers of a dielectric material such as aluminum oxide or diamond-like carbon. After the dielectric material has been applied, the cathode material - typically molybdenum - is applied to it and the entire cathode is then wetted with a liquid metal. A cylindrical launcher cannot be made this way; however, the electrodes can be brushed on to make such a launcher. With an approx. 1 µm thickness of the dielectric base of the generator, an EV can be generated and set in motion with less than 100 V voltage difference between the generator cathode and anode.

Although here are the preferred embodiments of one Launchers for EVs have been described and explained for the skilled person to understand that launcher for EVs also on other way can be built.

12. Selectors

As already mentioned, EVs can be used as pearls in a chain generate, with multiple chains ge substantially simultaneously be formed. It may be desirable or necessary to have EVs of a ge chose total charge for use in a process or in to separate a device. A selector effect can contribute to the number of available EV types on the limit desired species. In general, an An number of different EVs generated and around a sharp edge a dielectric surface around to an anode or trap electrode are steered. An extractor field releases selected EVs from the dielectric edge and pulls it to a guide or to another selected area. The extractor voltage as well as the lead tension can be considered the selector geometry so that EVs of a desired Charge size can be extracted. Typically, about five EV chains with ten or twelve pearls at a time extract the number of chains or EVs accordingly the geometry of the extractor proportionally higher or is lower.  

A generally cylindrical symmetric selector is shown at 236 in FIG. 26 and includes a generator (source) 238 that is generally constructed in the form of the separator shown in FIG. 8. A generally tubular dielectric ceramic base 240 has a tapered front end, with the taper of the inner and outer surfaces creating a small opening that engages around a sharp circular edge 242 . A conductive covering, for example made of burnt-on silver paste, forms a counterelectrode band 244 , which is placed around the base at the foot of the conical Endab section around the base. A wetted metal cathode 246 is disposed in the tubular dielectric base 240 with the conical end of the cathode facing within the cone portion of the dielectric base and the opening encompassed by the edge 242 . The cathode 246 can, for example, consist of copper wetted with mercury, as described above.

An extractor 248 in the form of a conductive plate with a circular opening 250 is centered in front of the circular edge 242 and is arranged at a short distance from it. Behind the extractor 248 there is, for example, a tubular guide 252 with a dielectric body, the outer surface of which is partially provided with a conductive coating in order to form a counter electrode 254 .

If the generator 238 is operated to generate EV without a voltage being applied to the extractor 248 , the EVs pass from the area of the cathode tip to the anode 244 by passing through the hole in the end of the ceramic cone around the sharp edge 242 to the outside of the Run cone and to the anode. However, if a suitable voltage is applied to the extractor, a selected portion of the EVs on the dielectric edge detaches from the dielectric and is pulled through the extractor opening 250 to the guide 252 , through which they are then placed under the counterelectrode 254 of the guide Potential continue to run.

Fig. 27 shows generally at 260 a selector planar with a generally flat dielectric base 262 which has an elongated neck 264th The selector includes a surface generator generally of the type shown in FIG. 22 with a flat cathode 266 in a groove 268 . However, the anode used for EV generation is not arranged here on the opposite side of the dielectric base 260 , but is a coating 270 on the side surface of a second groove 272 , which cuts the first groove 268 at an acute angle, around a sharp cutting edge 274 form. If a potential difference between the cathode 268 and the anode 270 is placed, the EVs (which may be made of metal and wetted) form the EVs along the groove 268 to cut them with the groove 272 , circle the sharp edge 274 and run to the anode 270 .

Two extractor electrodes 276 , 278 are arranged along the outer surface of the neck 264 of the base 262 on opposite sides thereof to the side of the guide groove 268 . If a suitable voltage is applied to the extractor electrodes 276 , 278 , certain EVs surrounding the sharp edge 274 are detached therefrom and run through the guide groove 268 and through the region delimited by the extractor electrodes. As FIG. 28 shows, there is an opposite electrode 280 under a part of the Füh rungsnut further transport 268 along the neck 264 of the dielectric base, gate electrodes around the selected EVs along the guide groove behind the Extrak 276, 278.

If, as already stated, an EV runs over a surface, it is bound to it by image forces. The amount of the binding force depends to a certain extent on the geometry of the surface, which influences the image force. If the effective surface area of the surface is reduced, for example if an EV circles the sharp circular edge 242 of the conical structure of the generator 238 in FIG. 26 or the sharp edge 274 of the planar selector 260 in FIG. 27, the image power also decreases that the binding of the EV loosens to the surface and it can therefore be more easily deducted from a field that builds up another electrode with a relatively moderately positive voltage. The high negative charge of the EVs running to the extractor electrode can temporarily depress the potential between the cathode and the extractor electrode below that required to remove one of the remaining pearl necklaces or pearls in the group on the edge in question that is on the way to Are anode to extract. After the initial EV structure has been extracted and has passed the extractor field, a further res EV can be extracted from the area on the dielectric edge.

The arrangement in FIG. 26 may be mentioned as an example: with a negative voltage of 2 kV applied to the cathode, an opening of approximately 50 μm enclosed by the sharp edge 242 , a cone radius of comparable size and a distance of approximately 1 mm between the two dielectric opening to the Extrak torelektrode a positive extraction voltage of about 2 kV is required to replace an EV. The extraction threshold voltage is critical. For example, if an EV source with such dimensions is continuously excited and the EVs are completely caught by the anode on the dielectric cone, none occurs at an extraction voltage of 1.9 kV, but one with a positive extraction voltage of 2.0 kV already Extraction to the extractor.

While FIGS. 24-26 show generators associated separators, they can be virtually anywhere along a Anord voltage of EV-manipulating components provide. E.g. a separator can follow a guide and another separator. By connecting EV separators in series or even cascading, you can extract EVs of a certain binding energy from EVs of a wide energy range.

13th divider

In general, processes with precisely timed or synchronized events can be controlled with two output signals derived from a single input signal. E.g. one can divide a first event into a large number of secondary events. With an EV source that generates a large number of EV pearls or pearl strings within a very short period of time, one can divide such an event - ie an EV pulse ("burst") into two or more propagating signals. A device suitable for the division of EV signals in this way is referred to as a divider and generally arises when a guide as shown in FIGS. 11-1 16 is provided with one or more side guides which intersect the main guide channel EVs running along the main guide channel that interface with a side or side channel are split, some enter the side channel while others continue in the main channel. When building a divider, care must be taken that the side channel connects to the main channel intersects at a point where EVs actually travel, for example, if the main channel is relatively large, so that EVs connect it to a plurality of over d If the channel crosses through distributed points, there is no certainty that an EV at the interface of a secondary channel with the main channel will pass close enough to the entrance to the former to be drawn into it.

A divider, as shown generally at 290 in FIGS. 29 and 30, has a dielectric base 292 with a mosaic tile 294 fixed thereon. A second tile piece 296 is also set on the base 292 . The claws 294 and 296 are cut as shown and suitably connected to the base 292 to form a secondary guide channel 298 therebetween. One can, as shown in the plan view in FIG. 29, cut a single, generally rectangular tile into two pieces to form the channel 298 if the pieces are suitably fixed on the base 292 .

As previously stated, an angle of 90 ° between the edge of such a mosaic tile and the base 292 would form a channel that attracts and guides EVs. With a 45 ° bevel, if the tiles 294 , 296 are fixed on the base 292 , a main channel 300 with an acute angle is obtained in the same way as with the guide 110 in FIGS . 13 & 14. A counter electrode or ground plane 302 contributing to the attraction that holds the EVs in the guide channels is located on the opposite side of the base 292 from the tiles 294 , 296 . The dielectric tiles 294 , 296 and the base 292 can be made from any suitable material, such as aluminum oxide. Accordingly, the counter electrode 302 can be made of any conductive material such as silver paste. The potential applied to the counter electrode 302 is selected according to the respective application and the other potentials used in it and can be positive or the ground potential.

A second version of a divider is shown generally at 310 in FIG. 31 and has a dielectric base 312 with a straight main guide channel 314 and a secondary channel 316 branching from the main channel at an acute angle. The channels 314 , 316 are grooves with a rectangular cross section formed in the base 312 . As shown in FIG. 32, a counter electrode 318 is arranged on the side of the base 312 opposite the channels 314 , 316 and promotes the propagation of the EVs along the channels, while a flat dielectric cover 320 is optionally placed on the top of the base can to close the guide channels. In order to ensure that - seen in FIG. 31 - EVs passing through the main guide channel 314 from left to right are close enough to the side of the main channel interrupted by the secondary channel 316 , the cross section of the main channel must not be significantly larger than the average size of the EVs that traverse it, although each channel must be large enough to accommodate the largest EV structure to be guided. (The mosaic guide channel with the chamfer 300 in FIGS. 29 & 30 takes up EV structures of any size, since it is open on one side.) For an EV pearl chain produced at 2 kV, the lateral dimension of the main channel should typically be 20 μm . The lower limit for a channel width for guiding a single EV bead is approximately 1 µm. Where EV pearl chains formed at 2 kV are to run through both channels of the divider 310 , the width of the secondary channel 316 should be at least 20 μm and the width of the main channel 314 may be in the range from 20 to 30 or 35 mm.

Both dividers 290 , 310 can be used together with a large number of other components. E.g. one can introduce EVs from any of the sources disclosed here into the main guide channels 300 , 314 in order to have them move there. In the case of the divider 290 of FIGS. 29 & 30, EVs or EV pearl chains run along the apex of the channel chamfer 300 until they intersect with the secondary channel 298 . At this point, some of the EVs or EV pearl necklaces merge into subchannel 298 , while the rest continue to the right (seen in FIG. 29) in main channel 300 . The side channel 298 guides the EVs or EV pearl necklaces that have run into it around its illustrated knee, so that, as shown, two streams of EVs or EV pearl necklaces arrive at the right end of the part (seen in FIG. 29) in the two channels . From there, the EVs can be further manipulated or used with other system components.

Correspondingly, EVs or EV pearl chains, which have been brought into the left end of the main channel 314 of the divider 310 of FIGS. 31, 32, continue to run in this channel until some of them enter the secondary channel 316 and pass through his knee so that two streams of EVs or EV pearl necklaces arrive at the right end of the divider and can be manipulated or used there.

It can be expected that a single EV that moves along the main channel of one of the dividers 290 and 310 shown ent will in any case pass into the narrower secondary channel. However, it is pointed out that a stream of EVs or EV pearl necklaces is divided in the manner described, some of them continuing in the main channel and the rest in the sub-channel. The deflection of only a part of an EV current into a secondary channel with a smaller cross section than that of the main channel can be caused by the crowding of numerous EVs or EV pearl chains at the channel junction and can be attributed to the high charge concentration of the EVs, which prevents the entire EV cluster follows the second channel. This is a form of a self-switching process in which one or some EV structures change to the secondary channel at a certain point in time, while others continue to follow the main path. In any case, dividers of the type shown in Figures 29-32 are an effective means of producing multiple streams of EVs that initially left a generator as the only EV stream. Furthermore, the arrival of the EVs at the exits of the main and secondary channels takes place essentially simultaneously, since the path length difference between the main and secondary channels is not essential. The numerous EVs generated with a single signal pulse and arriving at the branching of a main channel to a secondary channel can consequently be split up, with some EVs running on one and the other on the other guide in order to deliver EV arrivals or signals to two Places. If the guide channels are of the same length, the EVs can arrive at the channel end points at the same time (or almost simultaneously).

The Fig. 33 & 34 illustrate generally at 330, a divider with a variable time delay for producing a pair of EV-signals, evidence of a single EV-pulse ( "burst") it, at two different points in certain points in time (if necessary arrive at the same time). The delay divider 330 has a dielectric base 332 on which three dielectric mosaic tiles 334 , 336 , 338 are fixed. With a pointed cathode 340 of the type shown in FIGS . 1 and 2 and 17, EVs are generated which are on a first path 342 along the intersection line of the base 332 with the top edge (seen in FIG. 33) of the two tiles 334 , 336 run. The web 342 , as shown in FIG. 33, continues upward along the intersection of the base 332 with the left edge of the rectangular tile 33 and its top edge and then down along the right edge thereof.

The first tile 334 is in the form of a trapezoid and works together with the second tile 336 in the form of a triangle to form a channel 344 which separates these two tiles from one another and cuts the main track 342 at an acute angle around the first section of an auxiliary guide channel 346 form.

A generally U-shaped dielectric tile 348 with a left and a right leg 350 and 352 engages, as shown, the lower part of the rectangular tile 338 and is movable to be relative to the rectangular tile 338 can be optionally positioned, as is the case with the Double arrow E is indicated. The secondary path 346 runs (in FIG. 33) further down along the 90 ° cutting line (cf. FIG. 34) of the base 332 with the left side of the tile 338 until it reaches the leg 350 . As shown in FIG. 34, the movable left leg 350 is chamfered along the lower inner edge 354 at 45 °. The secondary path 346 , which follows the line of intersection of the base 332 and the left edge of the rectangular tile 338 below the channel 344 , is then continued from the line of intersection of the base 332 with the chamfered edge 354 of the leg 350 , since the EVs oppose the narrower edged cut give preference to the 90 ° corner between tile 338 and base 332 . The EV track 346 thus leaves the tile 338 and follows the leg 350 . It can be seen that the movable tile 348 with the leg 350 can be arranged at the exit of the channel 344 such that the secondary channel 346 follows the leg without first running along the tile 338 on the left side. The secondary path 346 then continues to the collar of the U-shaped tile 348 and this along to the right leg 352 , which intersects at right angles along its left edge with the base 332 , as shown in FIG. 34. However, the lower right edge of the tile 338 is chamfered at 356 at the intersection with the base 332 at 45 °. As a result, EVs that run upward in ( FIG. 33) along the intersection line of leg 352 with base 332 will then follow the chamfered cut of tile 338 with base and eventually run away from the end of the movable leg. As shown in FIG. 34, a counter electrode 358 lies under the base 332 and creates the potential for enhancing the guiding effect of the tracks 342 , 346 - or where the divider 330 contains a cathode 340 for generating EVs EV generation is required.

On the right edge (seen in FIG. 33) of the rectangular tile 338 , two launcher 360 , 362 are provided in the form of dielectric projections that taper to sharp edges. EVs moving along the 90 ° cut of the upper part of the right edge of the tile 338 with the base 332 are thus continued from the cut line of the launcher 360 with the base. However, as shown in Fig. 33, launcher 360 is generally triangular in shape so that a sharp edge is formed at its right end. So the EV continues to run forward onto the flat substrate of the base 332 , instead of circling the sharp corner of the launcher 360 . This forward movement of the EV is greatly affected by the precise shape of the leading edge of the launcher 360 , which must therefore be relatively sharp and straight so that the EVs do not come off at wrong angles. With additional electrodes (not shown), an external field can be set up to the right of the launcher 360 for further treatment of the EVs.

Accordingly, the launcher 362 has a sharp edge at its right end so that EVs moving along the chamfered intersection of the lower right edge of the tile 338 with the base 332 (seen in FIG. 33) to the right and upward are at right angles Cut between the launcher 362 and the base 332 and eventually walk over the base of the launcher. EVs leaving the launcher 362 can be further manipulated with an external field which can be applied by means of suitable electrodes (not shown).

The main track 342 is a fixed track, ie the path length between the intersection of this path with, for example, the channel 344 and the launcher 360 is fixed. The path length of the secondary path 346 depends, for example, between the intersection of the channel 344 with the main path 342 and the second launcher 352 . This variable path length is achieved by the mobility of the U-shaped dielectric element 348 relative to the rectangular tile 338 , which is shown by the double arrow E. The further the dielectric element 348 is moved downwards relative to the tile 338 (seen in FIG. 33), the longer the length of the secondary path 346 (and the shorter the overlap regions of the legs 350 , 352 with the sides of the tile 338 ). By adjusting the dielek tric guide member 348 relative to the tile 338, and can adjust the length of the web 346 as the time len currency in need of EVs to arrive along the branch line 346 running on the second Launcher 362nd The difference in the time of arrival of EVs, which are generated with a single pulse on the tracks 342 , 346 , at the two launchers 360 , 362 can thus be selected by positioning the dielectric guide element 348 .

The dimension of 10 mm shown in Fig. 33 serves as a scale for a typical variable divider. It can be seen that with a variable divider of the size shown, path length differences of the order of 1/10 mm can be achieved without difficulty. Any devices can be used to move and adjust the movable guide element - including, for example, a mechanical transmission. If necessary, a micromanipulator or a translational mechanism, for example in the form of a system of levers and gearwheels with the required reduction, can be used where the adjustment is to be made by hand, in order to permit a desired sensitive adjustment.

It can also be seen that the guideways 342 , 346 can be adapted to any desired application. The tracks also do not need to extend to launcher 360 , 362 , but can continue as guides or other system components as required.

Fig. 35 shows a particular version of a divider with a variable delay at 370. The divider 370 corresponds to the divider 350 in terms of structure and mode of operation; it is therefore only necessary to describe in detail the differences between them. The fixed guideway 372 can, for example, be designed identically to the fixed guideway 342 in FIG. 33. The variable guideway 374 of the divider 370 is, however, changed with a movable guiding element 376 (see the double arrow F ), which continues (see FIG. 35) to the right and ends at a launcher 378 which the EVs along a line throws, which is directed to an intersection G with the first guideway 372 . The EVs can therefore be supplied to the point G depending on the position of the movable guide element 376 from two directions arriving at the same or different times. Detection plates or other EV detection devices (for example fluorescent screens) 380 , 382 can be arranged in such a way that they receive the EVs arriving on the main and the secondary track 372 and 374, respectively. Furthermore, you can support the movement of the EVs behind the launchers with suitable anodes or counter electrodes.

In general, the secondary duct of a divider can have smaller, larger or the same transverse dimensions as the main duct. If the secondary channel has a significantly larger cross-section than the main channel, all EVs follow the secondary channel. The secondary channel can cut the main channel at any acute angle up to 90. The channels can branch out differently - for example in Y or T shape. For such examples, the two branches can be equivalent channels. Furthermore, several secondary channels can also be created, so that, for example, any number of output signals can be derived from a single EV input signal from a single source. It will be appreciated that dividers can be constructed in shapes other than those shown in Figs. 29-35 - for example, using the tubular guide members discussed above.

14. Turnouts

As mentioned, EVs and EV chains can be created using Füh not only in selected directions; the Guided tours can also include means to change direction. The management components influence the direction of reproduction of EVs by that of image charge forces as well as that of with fields generated with counter electrodes the guide surfaces. The direction of propagation of EVs and EV pearl necklaces can be further influenced with electrical ones Cross fields that affect the electrical charge of the EV structures and redirect them in new chosen directions. The extent Such a change in direction depends on the size of the deflection field and its time of exposure to the EV structure. In addition, the deflection field can be switched on and off and un can be set to different degrees to keep the EVs going run in a certain area differently or even not redirect. The effect is, of course, bilateral; the order  steering mechanism, however it works, can be an undesirable reaction of Ge caused by the passing of EVs experienced gene tensions.

When EVs run on guideways, such as those represented by the guide grooves discussed above, EV propagation is very stable, and not only because of the potential sink in which the EVs move as a result of the image charge in the dielectric and the field of the Counter electrodes, but also because of the transverse wall boundaries that create the groove in the dielectric in one or more transverse directions. So that an EV running along a guide channel can be deflected from a field in a new direction, the influences of the guidance acting in the deflection direction must be weak enough that the field created can deflect the EVs. At least the area where the deflection is to take place must be free of a guide channel wall which would interfere with transverse deflection of the EV. In general, an EV running in a guide channel on a very stable guideway must be guided in a relatively unstable manner where it is to be deflected. After the desired deflection, the EV can then run back into a more stable path region, for example along a guide channel. Where a choice is possible, the EV can - depending on the concerns of a deflection field - continue to run on one of two or more Products Available ren change paths. A device that is used in this way to selectively change the direction of propagation, for example of an EV or an EV chain, is a switch (deflection switch).

Figs. 36-38 show generally at 390, a switch from the top, from the side and the front side. The switch 390 is a single-pole changeover switch with a dielectric base 392 with a single input guide channel 394 and a first and a second output guide channel 396 and 398 . The input and output channels 394-398 , which are shown as par allel, but can run at practically any angle to one another, connects a transition or order deflection area 400 , which is as deep as the guide channels, but generally has a greater width as they. A guide counter electrode 402 lies under the input channel 394 , the guide counter electrodes 404 , 406 under the output channels 396 and 398 ; Suitable voltages can be applied to them to support the passage of EVs along the corresponding guideways.

Two deflection electrodes 408 , 410 are also arranged on the underside of the base 392, the guide channels 394-398 and the transition area 400 opposite, the deflection electrodes, which are partially below the transition area, extend laterally outwards and take up a relatively large area . An EV entering the transition region 400 from the input channel 394 can thus be deflected to the left by a positive charge applied to the left deflection electrode 408 and / or a negative charge applied to the right deflection electrode 410 (from the point of view of an EV entering the transition region) will. In this way, the trajectory of this EV is deflected out of the generally straight-line direction enforced in the input channel 394 . By applying a suitable charge to the deflection electrode (s) 408 and / or 410 , the direction of movement of the EV can be changed such that the EV enters a first or left output channel 396 , in which it can then move on. Alternatively, charge can be placed on one or both of the baffles 408 , 410 to redirect the path of movement of an EV emerging from the input channel so that it enters the second or right output channel 398 , in which it then continues.

The switch (the diverter switch) works by allowing an EV to enter a region of relative instability from a relatively highly stable propagation path in the input channel by selectively changing its path by applying a deflection field, after which the EV enters an output channel , which in turn represents a relatively highly stable trajectory. The transition from the entrance guide to the transition area should take place in such a way that there are no faults in the EV train, otherwise faulty switching may occur. The effects of an input load or coupling can be weakened by feedback of the redirected EVs. E.g. When an EV passes by, an adjacent electrode picks up a feedback voltage that can be applied to a deflection plate with a suitably set amplitude and phase-shifted. The person skilled in the art recognizes a push-pull arrangement here. By interchanging the supply lines, it can be used to represent a cross coupling. Such a return electrode 412 is shown on the base 392 on the left output channel 396 ; it is connected with a suitable line to a coupling circuit 413 , the output of which is connected to the left-hand deflection electrode 408 . A corresponding feedback electrode 414 is provided on the base of the right output channel 398 and connected to a coupling circuit 415 , the output of which leads to the right-hand order steering electrode 410 . In this way, one can represent a negative feedback or a positive feedback which can be used for a stable or unstable, ie bistable switchover. Other known feedback effects can be achieved if one provides a separate feedback circuit for each. Correspondingly, filters can be built up with the feedback circuit, which make the connection of the EVs to an output channel dependent on the charge size or other parameters. It is a considerable advantage that the feedback circuit uses electromagnetic components that work close to the speed of light, since this can avoid the runtime effects that affect the switching behavior. Conventional resistance, capacitance and inductance components generally work well in the case of EVs that run at about 1/10 light speed.

The switch 390 shown in FIGS . 36-38 can be produced by etching the guideways and the transition region into on molten silicon oxide using photolithographic methods. The conductive electrode coverings can be evaporated or sputtered. The input and output guide channels should be approximately 0.05 mm deep and wide for EVs generated with approximately 1 kV. The voltages to be applied to the deflection electrodes range from a few tens of volts to the kilo volt range, depending on the stability of the path of the EV running through the transition or deflection region. The stability of the EV track within the transition area depends on the shape and length of the transition area itself and on the shape of the counter electrodes.

To optimize the turn sensitivity of a switch, the EV track in the middle of the transition area should be more unstable. The switch 390 has, for example, a transition guide area 400 with side walls 416 which intersect the walls of the input channel at a right angle to mark the end of the input channel 394 abruptly. Such an abrupt mechanical transition requires high deflection voltages in order to selectively control and redirect the EVs within the transition region, since the EVs can couple to a side wall of the transition region 400 lying opposite the desired deflection direction. A high deflection voltage is therefore required if an EV is to be deflected via the transition region 400 to the opposite wall.

The transition from the input channel 394 to the deflection area 400 can also be made more gradually - and the deflection sensitivity of the arrangement can be increased - by making the electrodes (including the counter electrode 402 ) suitable. E.g. As shown, the leading input counterelectrode 402 does not end at the intersection of the input channel 394 with the intermediate transition section 400 , but is extended to a tapered section 418 , which runs partially below the intermediate section. The deflection electrodes 408 , 410 are cut parallel to the contour of the tapered part 418 of the counter electrode 402 . Such an electrical transition technique allows an EV to transition from the input channel 394 to the transition channel 400 when there is only a slight disturbance, the direction of movement hardly changing in the absence of a deflection field; in this way he gives himself a high sensitivity. If there is no counter electrode, the path on which an EV travels cannot be predicted easily.

As shown, the intermediate region 400 forms a flat V-shaped wall 420 between the first and the second output channel 396 , 398 . The shape of this part 420 of the wall of the transition area has a relatively weak influence on a control of the stability of the EV tracks within the transition area.

Alternatively, an EV can be coupled into the intermediate or transition area in such a way that it can be largely redirected without interference by using a mechanical structure that produces a gradual transition from the influence of the input channel to the intermediate area. E.g. Such a switch can have an input guide groove which is tapered in the direction of thickness or depth, together with an input counterelectrode which ends relatively abruptly or even cut off angularly in the transverse direction. Fig. 37 shows in phantom an inclined surface 422 to the input channel around as an example of such a mechanical embodiment. This entrance guidance gradually loses its guiding effect on the EV as it approaches the transition area and is hardly disturbed in its movement between the two areas without a deflection field; here too there is a relatively high sensitivity to deflection. It can be seen that etching techniques generally give off gradually, no abruptly ending or angular edges on the edges of surfaces. This natural edge drop during etching can be emphasized up to the shape of a surface runout shown at 422 in FIG. 37.

One technique with which a higher stability towards charge accumulations can be achieved is to use a low-resistance coating as the deflecting electrode and to place the deflecting electrodes on the top and within the transition region 400 , not below. The movement path of an EV then crosses a deflection electrode in any case. With this deflection technology, charging of the dielectric can be prevented.

15. The EV oscilloscope

An EV or an EV pearl necklace that moves in vacuum over a surface does so randomly due to local fields and surface disturbances. This movement is accompanied by ejection of electrons by the EV, so that its trajectory becomes visible when the process is observed with an electron imaging system or ejected electrons fall onto a phosphor that produces visible light. By building electric fields with field-shaping structures such as deflection electrodes that determine the path of an EV, it can be achieved that this path and thus its optical image describe the time function of the applied voltage; you get the function of an oscilloscope. It can be achieved in an effective manner by improving the stabilizing and deflecting function of the EV switch 390 of FIGS . 36-38.

A planar type EV oscilloscope is shown generally at 424 in FIG. 39; it has a dielectric substrate or such base 426 with a leading EV input channel 428 , which opens to a flat transition or deflection region 430 in the manner of the transition region 400 of the switch 390 shown in FIG. 36. A guide counter electrode 432 runs under the guide groove 428 , but, as shown, runs out to a tapered extension under the deflection area 430 . The forward wall 434 of the deflection area 430 is perpendicular to the input channel 428 . Together with the tapered counter electrode 432 , the arrangement of the wall 434 of the deflection area relative to the input channel 428 results in the greatest possible stability of EVs and EV chains when leaving the input channel and entry into the deflection area, as described above with reference to the switch 390 executed.

Two deflection electrodes 436 , 4389 are provided on the underside of the substrate 426 , as shown, in order to selectively apply a signal which is intended to act on a selected area H of the transition area 430 (shown with the broken line) by running EVs. The entire interior of the transition region 430 may be coated with a resistive material to suppress surface charges and to provide a termination for the line that supplies the deflection signal for the deflection electrodes 436 , 438 . The bottom of the deflection area 430 must be smooth to avoid local structures that could deflect an EV. The EV or the EV chain generally extends out of the active region H and the deflection region 430 and can finally be caught with a catching anode (not shown).

The Fig. 40 shows the EV oscilloscope 424 in an end plan view together with a phosphor screen 440th The screen 440 must be placed over at least the active area H , but can cover the entire transition area 430 and, as shown, the entire substrate 426 . Electrons emitted by the EV or the EV chain, which pass under the influence of the deflection field applied, cause the phosphor 440 in turn to emit light. A light microscope 442 picks up the light emitted by the phosphor 440 and magnifies it so that it can be observed. Instead of the light microscope, a light-amplifying FS camera can also be used. The magnification factor of the system (microscope or FS camera) should be sufficient to image an object of a few micrometers, the approximate size of an EV. If an FS monitor is used as the oscilloscope's viewing device, the sensitivity is increased and the image can also be recorded very easily. With an electronic camera, as described below in section 16, one can continue to view an EV running through the transition region 430 or even flying through space.

An EV source that allows the EVs to be ejected into guides is suitable for the EV oscilloscope 424 . Possibly. one can enter a desired EV or a desired EV chain into the guide channel 428 of the oscilloscope with a separator or selector. The generation and ejection voltage with which EVs are obtained for the oscilloscope 424 can typically be between 200 V and 2 kV, depending on the size of the structures used. As with the switch 390 ( Fig. 36-38), the guide channel 428 (e.g. its length), the counter electrode 432 and the deflection area 430 must be designed so that a stabilized EV is entered in the deflection area 430 without the side walls to couple the deflection area. The Oszil loskop 424 works in effect as an analog switch with numerous output states, which depend on the voltage applied to the deflection electrodes 436 , 438 .

The speed at which the EV leaves the guide channel 428 and crosses the deflection area 430 , as well as the image magnification of the light microscope, the FS camera or, for example, also the electron camera determine the horizontal deflection speed of the oscilloscope 424 , while this is done by means of the deflection electrodes 436 , 438 impressed at right angles to this movement electric field depicts the vertical axis. The resulting EV movement is not the actual time function of the potential applied to the deflection electrodes 436 , 438 , but rather its integral.

The EV image track can be synchronized with the event to be analyzed using the Oszil lopskops 424 by generating the EVs slightly before it is displayed, as is usual in oscillography. The sensitivity and deflection speed of the oscilloscope 424 can be varied by geometrically changing the entire arrangement or by observing at least one longer EV run in a larger active area H over longer deflection periods. Typically, the distance between the closest points of the two deflection electrodes 436 , 438 is in the range of approximately 1 mm, and impressed signal frequencies in the order of 100 GHz are possible. The representable voltage range is determined by choosing a specific attenuation of the signal before it is on the deflection electrodes 436 , 438 . Due to the small size of an EV and its relatively high speed, the bandwidth of an EV oscilloscope is relatively large. Waveforms representing single events can be analyzed if the transition times are in the range of 0.1 ps. Such a fast oscilloscope is an essential tool for the analysis of extremely fast effects that can be achieved using EVs. With the bandwidths so large that are possible with this "picoscope", the attenuators used in the input circuit to the deflection electrodes 436 , 438 must be compensated. The use of microstructures for the construction of the EV-Oszillo scope supports the measures to achieve short signal delays. The oscilloscope 424 and all associated circuit parts should be operated as close as possible to the electrical event to be measured in order to prevent dispersion in the connecting lines. For a large part of the work for which the EV oscilloscope is suitable, it can be effectively embedded in the source area of the signal. The picoscope effectively becomes a "chipscope" and can be conceived practically as a disposable unit.

16. Electron camera

As previously noted, an electron camera can be used to view the electron emission from EVs that pass through an EV oscilloscope such as the picoscope 424 of FIGS . 39, 40. Such an electron camera is shown generally at 450 in FIGS. 41 and 42. The camera 450 has a metal housing 452 , which serves as electrical shielding of the charge control within the camera against disturbing stray fields. A pinhole aperture 454 is the input through which electrons, ions, neutral particles or photons can get into the housing 452 . The typical dimensions of the camera 452 are given with the 25 mm specification in FIG. 42; the typical lateral extent of the aperture 454 is about 50 µm.

Two baffles 456 , 458 are arranged in the housing 452 such that incident charged particles are generally passed between them through the aperture 454 . The connections 460 , 464 ver run from the baffles 456 and 458 through the wall of the housing 452 and are insulated against this by the insulating sleeves 462 , 466 . Over the aperture 452 opposite end of the housing 452 , a combination 468 of a Kanalelek tronen multiplier (CEM) is placed with a fluorescent screen. Charged particles hit the CEM, which creates an increased charge impact on the light screen with a cascade effect, which consequently glows and thus visually signals the impact on the CEM with respect to the location of the light on the light screen. The structure and mode of operation of such a CEM-fluorescent screen combination 468 are known and need not be explained further here.

The housing 452 is open on the fluorescent screen; However, it can be completed with a conductive thin layer from the shielding caused by the housing without disturbing the escape of light from the fluorescent screen, which is to be observed from the outside. Although not shown in the drawing, the CEM luminescent screen combination 468 is provided with suitable line connections via which it can be supplied with selected voltages regardless of the potential to which the housing 452 can be placed; a potential difference can be set between the CEM and the luminous screen. This potential difference is typically 5 kV, while the transmission factor ("gain") of the CEM can be changed independently by adjusting its potential. The components of the camera 450 - including the housing 452 - can generally be set to any potential of up to at least 5 kV with any polarity.

In addition to the possibility of applying different voltages to the housing 452 , the CEM fluorescent screen combination 468 and the electrodes 456 , 458 , the camera 450 can be mounted or held in such a way that it can be moved and moved with respect to the object being photographed can position. E.g. it can make sense to move the camera lengthways and / or crosswise or to rotate it around any of its axes.

Charged particles such as electrons that enter through the aperture 454 can strike the CEM 468 at any point thereof, so that a bright spot is formed on the fluorescent screen and can be observed as evidence of an event. The baffles 456 , 458 are used to carry out charge or energy analyzes or the like. Measurements using retarding potentials that use the voltage applied to the CEM are also suitable for the analysis. Such analysis methods are known and need not be explained in detail here.

The pinhole camera 450 has a variety of possible uses, for example in connection with EVs. Fig. 41 shows an EV source 470 and an anode 472 in front of the camera aperture 454 so that EVs can be removed from the source and sent through an aperture in the extractor anode. The EVs strike the front part of the camera 450 around the aperture 454 (for example a molybdenum sheet). A brass ring (not shown) can be placed in front of the aperture 454 sheet to receive the EVs and prevent them from hitting the front surface of the camera. A metal foil stretched over the aperture 454 can serve as the target. In another such arrangement, the combination of the EV source 470 and the extractor 472 can be set up at an angle — for example, below 900 compared to the arrangement shown in FIG. 41 — to the camera 450 , so that the EVs generated by it fly past the aperture 454 and only some of these ejected electrons enter the camera through the aperture in order to be able to observe the propagation of the EVs on them.

FIG. 43 shows how the camera 450 can be used together with an EV oscilloscope such as the picoscope 424 of FIG. 39. As shown in FIG. 43, the camera 450 may be positioned facing the active area H of the oscilloscope 424 , where the camera aperture is a short distance therefrom, so that the electron emission from one used to represent a signal in the active area of the oscilloscope EV can penetrate the camera through the aperture and can be detected by the CEM and the fluorescent screen. For this use of the camera, the baffles 456 , 458 can be kept at ground potential, for example, while the voltage at the CEM is high enough to accelerate the EV-emitted electrons to strike the CEM. The lens system of the FS camera 474 is shown in FIG. 43 as facing the light output end of the camera 450 . The CEM and the fluorescent screen already result in the camera, as shown, an approximately 5-fold magnification. The overall magnification of the combination of the electronic camera 450 with the FS camera 474 can be increased further in the FS system.

Fig. 44 shows a further application of the electron camera 450 , namely here together with a second electron camera 450 ', which is arranged such that the longitudinal axes of the two cameras mer possibly ver in the same plane at right angles to each other. In this way, for example, the location of an EV passing in front of the two cameras can be determined in three dimensions. As shown, the cameras 450 , 450 'are arranged along the x and y axes of an orthogonal xyz coordinate system, the cameras "looking back" at its origin. Two sets of deflection electrodes (with electrodes 476 , 478 arranged opposite one another along the x-axis and electrodes 480 , 482 arranged perpendicular to one another along the x-axis, ie also opposite the y-axis) can be arranged in the manner shown to selectively deflect an EV in the common field of view of the camera 450 , 450 ′. The electrodes 476-482 can be thin wires with a diameter of the order of about 0.5 mm, the wires 478 , 481 , which are closest to the cameras 450 , 450 ', can be arranged in front of them without looking at them disturbing direction, ie the cameras "look around the wire electrodes". The required potentials can be applied to electrodes 476-482 using suitable leads. As already stated in the discussion of an EV oscilloscope in section 15, a three-dimensional EV oscilloscope can be constructed and used using two electrons.

The Fig. 44 further shows the use of a disposed on, for example. Z-axis third electron camera 450 '' for further observation of the behavior in three dimensions along with the x- and y-cameras 450, 450 '. The field electrodes 484 , 486 are provided on the z-axis to deflect the EVs in this direction.

Two electron cameras can be arranged facing each other on the same line (such as cameras 450 ′ ′ and 450 ′ ′ ′ in FIG. 44), for example to perform a Doppler energy analysis on electrons.

For example, as in the case of the section 15 picoscope, any suitable EV source can be used in conjunction with the EV handling system parts disclosed herein to introduce EVs into the field of view of one of the camera arrays shown in FIG. 44.

17. Multi-electrode sources

The separators, selectors and Abwerfein devices described above are forms of multi-electrode sources or EV generators, which are designed for the specified special purposes; in addition to a cathode and a single anode or counterelectrode for generating EVs, these devices have further electrodes. Multi-electrode arrangements can also be used for other purposes. For certain applications, it may be necessary to maintain a fixed potential 62727 00070 552 001000280000000200012000285916261600040 0002003803737 00004 62608 difference between anode and cathode for EV generation, but still maintain some control over EV generation. This can be achieved by adding a control electrode with which one obtains a triode arrangement. A version of a triode source is generally shown at 490 in FIG. 45. The triode 490 is constructed on a dielectric base 492 with an elongated guide groove 494 , which contains a flat cathode 496 . An anode or counter electrode 498 is disposed on the opposite side of the base 492 from the cathode 496 and toward the other end thereof. Furthermore, a control electrode 500 is provided on the opposite side of the base 492 to the cathode 496 , but lies in the longitudinal direction closer to the cathode end than the anode 498 . The control electrode 500 is effectively between the cathode 496 and the anode 498 , so that the voltage applied to the control electrode can significantly influence the electric field at the emitting cathode end where the EVs originate.

With fixed potentials on the cathode 496 and on the anode 498 , an EV can be generated on the cathode by applying a pulse signal going in the positive direction to the control electrode 500 . There is a sharp threshold for field emission at the cathode, ie for the process that initiates the generation of an EV. Therefore, a bias voltage can be applied to the control electrode 500 , which is superimposed on a weaker pulse signal for EV generation. In this case, the control electrode 500 does not carry a direct current, but high alternating currents when an alternating signal is present.

A triode works by raising the cathode emission density to the critical point required to produce an EV. As with triodes in general, some interaction may occur between control electrode 500 and the output of source 490 . The control electrode 500 must be driven strong enough to force the emergence of the first and a subsequent EV, since strong feedback effects act in the sense of suppressing the EV formation. The usual feedback at high frequencies reduces the amplification factor of the generator, so that the control electrode cannot be driven positively enough to generate further EVs after the first. For example, if the voltage at the control electrode is made more positive in order to initially generate an EV at the cathode 496 , this EV and the increased voltage at the control electrode increase the common capacitance of the control electrode and the anode 498 . When the first EV begins to form, the space charge reduces the effect of the control voltage. Then leaves the EV the area above the control electrode 500 and approaches the area above the anode 498 , a voltage is coupled to the control electrode, which depends on the current potential of the anode and prevents the potential at the control electrode for the Er generation of another EV increases far enough. This coupling can be weakened by adding another electrode; you get a tetrode.

An EV source in the form of a planar tetrode is shown generally at 510 in Figures 46-48. A dielectric base 512 contains a guide groove 514 , in which a flat cathode 516 is located. On the opposite side of the base 512 from the cathode 516 and at the other end thereof is an anode (counter electrode) 518 ). A control electrode 520 corresponding to the electrode 500 shown in FIG. 45 is arranged on the side of the base 512 opposite the cathode 546 transversely to the guide groove 514 and (in the longitudinal direction) between the cathode and the anode. The control electrode 520 can thus be biased and then driven to generate EV at the cathode 516 with a pulse signal, as was described for the triode 490 in FIG. 45, even if the cathode and anode potentials are kept constant.

On the side of the base 512 facing away from the cathode 516, a feedback electrode 522 is furthermore arranged close enough to the anode 518 to weaken a coupling between the control electrode 520 and the anode. As further seen from FIG. 46, the feedback electrode is 522 partially into a cutout 524 in the side edge of the anode 518 in front, so that the anode, the feedback electrode partially against a coupling to the control electrode 520 from shields.

The tetrode shown at 510 in FIGS . 46-48 can be fabricated using thin film microlithographic techniques. The width of the EV guide groove 514 can range from about 1 µm to about 20 µm; therefore the Te trode can be constructed using the methods of optical or electron lithography. Alumina can typically be used for the dielectric base 512 and molybdenum for the various conductive electrodes. Other possibilities are, for example, diamond-like carbon for the dielectric and titanium carbide or graphite for the conductive structures. In general, any stable dielectric material and any stable metallic conductive material can be used. The cathode 516 can be wetted with a liquid metal, as discussed above. With small structures in thermal equilibrium, however, there is a risk that the wetting metal will also migrate to locations other than the cathode and change the electrode configuration. Alternatively, the flat cathode 516 can be sharpened at the end 526 , so that the tip supports the formation of field-emitted electrons for EV generation and one does not have to rely on metal wetting to restore the cathode edge. Multi-electrode sources such as triode 490 and tetrode 510 shown here can be operated in vacuum or at selected gas pressures, as described above for other devices.

Multi-electrode sources are discussed in more detail in section 21 above Field emission sources are described, where also a working circuit is specified for a tetrode source.

The triode arrangements already described - including the separators, selectors and ejection devices - can also be constructed in the form of tetrodes. While several multi-electrode generators are shown and described here, other arrangements with two or more electrodes, which are suitable for different applications, can also be adapted for EV technology. In general, the procedures used for the use of high vacuum tubes can also be used effectively in the various arrangements for generating and handling EVs.

18. Electrodeless sources

Fig. 49 shows at 530 a further form of EV-genera tors. A generally elongated dielectric wrap 532 has three electrodes 534 , 536 and 538 which are secured to outer surfaces of the wrap. The two electrodes 534, 538 are brought to 532 on the opposite ends of the envelope, while the intermediate electrode 536 is spaced approximately one-third the distance from the electrode 534 to the electrode 538 of he Sterer. The end electrode 538 is an extractor electrode with which EVs are handled after they have been generated. The other electrodes 534 and 536 are required for EV generation. The intermediate electrode 536 is in the form of a ring which surrounds the casing 532 . In the particular embodiment shown, the ring electrode 536 lies in a constriction which forms an aperture 540 in the interior of the envelope, which extends the interior of the envelope 532 to an EV formation chamber 542 (left in FIG. 49) and a working chamber 544 (right in Fig. 49) divided. Correspondingly, the end electrode 534 is arranged in a recess in the end face of the casing 532 . Consequently, the intermediate electrode 536 is frustoconical and the end electrode 534 is conical; the extractor electrode 538 is flat. The recess and throat in which electrodes 534 and 536 are located are not required for EV generation, but serve other purposes, which are discussed below. Although the working chamber 544 is shown approximately twice the length of the EV formation chamber 542 , the working chamber can be practically any length.

When bipolar electrical energy, such as RF energy, is applied to the first and second electrodes 534 , 536 located on the dielectric enclosure 432 that contains a gas, EVs form in the chamber 542 , although the external metal electrodes counteract the internal discharge is isolated. A cathode is used to generate the EVs, although the isolated first electrode 534 appears as a "virtual cathode". Such an "electrodeless" or with an isolated Ka method generating EV can be desired under certain circumstances - if, for example, there is a risk of sputtering damage to the electrodes during EV generation by a high-voltage discharge.

For a given set of parameters (e.g. distances, gas pressure and voltage), a particularly ef is obtained when discharging fective generation and management of EVs (such as. Together was discussed with gas and optical guides), provided the atomic number of the filling gas is high. In the order of  Effectiveness ranks argon, for example, at the very bottom; Krypton is better and xenon of these three (with the same dimensions, pressure and voltage conditions) are most suitable.

The movement of EVs through the gas in the envelope 532 leads, as already mentioned, to the formation of streamers which appear as very thin bright lines in the free gas or on the wall of the envelope. One or more EVs can follow the streamer created by a previous EV. The first EV of such a series runs without charge compensation; further EVs follow along the ion shell generated by the first EV with the charge balance maintained. As more EVs propagate along the same streamer, the thickness of the ion shell increases.

Dielectric cladding 532 may typically be made of aluminum oxide and have a transverse transverse thickness of about 0.25 mm for operation with a 3 kV peak voltage between electrodes 534 , 536 in xenon gas of 0.1 atmospheric internal pressure. With these parameters, the distance between the electrodes 534 , 536 should be approximately 1 mm. The dielectric can be metallized with silver to apply the electrodes 534-538 .

The frustoconical shape of the first electrode 534 acts in the sense of stabilizing the location of the EV formation. The annular constriction forms an aperture 540 of approximately 5 × 10 ^-2 for the remaining specified parameters. The aperture 540 allows operation at different pressures on both sides between the EV forming chamber 542 and the working chamber 544 if the pressure difference via gas pressure connecting lines (not shown) is maintained by suitable pumping. With reduced gas pressure in the working chamber, the guiding effect of the streamers is also reduced, so that the EVs can be influenced more easily. EVs in the working or load chamber can be applied to the extractor electrode 538 as well as other external electrodes (not shown) for the purpose of treatment of the EVs, which are adapted to the application, by applying suitable potentials set according to amplitude or time profile. For a given pump rate, a larger pressure difference can be maintained with a smaller aperture diameter. The aperture diameter can be reduced to about 2.5 × 10 ^-2 mm, but still allows EVs to pass through. If the gas pressure in the working chamber is low enough, the EVs propagate as "black" EVs without a streamer. Furthermore, an electrodeless EV source can be set up with a smaller distance between the EV-forming electrodes 534 , 536 , which then allows the EV generation with voltages of a few hundred volts. Finally, the electrodeless EV source can also be constructed in a planar manner.

19. Traveling wave components

An application for EVs generated in a dielectric envelope such as source 530 of FIG. 49 is in a traveling wave circuit and in particular a traveling wave tube. Such an arrangement allows a good coupling for the purpose of energy exchange from an EV to, for example, a conventional electrical circuit. In general, an EV treated with one of the generation, guidance or throwing devices described here can be coupled in the sense of such an energy exchange. FIG. 50 shows such a traveling wave tube at 550 and a ejection device (generally of the type shown in FIG. 25) or cathode 552 , with which EVs can be produced or ejected within a cylinder-symmetrical EV guide 554 , at the opposite end thereof there is an anode or collector electrode 556 . A ground plane 558 , which acts as a counterelectrode, is shown outside the guide 554 and runs along it and can partially encompass the guide tube. A ground plane 558 that extends completely around the tube 554 is not possible, since it would prevent the electromagnetic radiation signal from propagating out of the tube. Suitable bearing and sealing fittings 560 , 562 hold the ejector or cathode 552 and the anode 556 at the two ends of the guide tube 554 in the desired position.

A coil 564 of conductive wire is placed around the guide tube 554 and extends generally between or slightly beyond the Abwerfeinrich 552 and the anode 556 . The coil 564 is completed with a load 566 , which stands here for any suitable application, but must correspond to the coil impedance in the sense of the least possible reflections. An impulse input signal can be fed to the ejector or cathode 552 via an optional current-limiting input resistor 568 . Input resistor 568 can be eliminated if it consumes too much power in a given application. EV energy not consumed in the coil 564 is collected at the anode 556 and a collecting resistor 570 which is connected to ground. A suitable detector - for example an oscilloscope - for signal shape monitoring can be connected to an output connection 572 .

The speed of an EV is typically 1/10 or slightly more than the speed of light. This speed range compares favorably with the range of delays achievable with helix and meander delay lines. E.g. The length of the helix 564 and that of the EV web from the throwing device or cathode 552 to the anode 556 can be about 30 cm, the helix being constructed such that a running time of about 16 ns with a helix impedance of about 200 Ω results. The impedance and the transit time of the coil 564 are partially influenced by the capacitive coupling to the ground plane 558 be. The inside diameter of the glass or ceramic tube 554 may be about 1 mm or less, the outside diameter about 3 mm. An EV is thrown off at a voltage of 1 kV (mainly determined by the source) at a xenon gas pressure of 10 ^-2 Torr, so that there is an output pulse of, for example, several kilovolts at the helix 564 .

With a copper wire wetted with mercury as cathode (instead of the ejector 552 ), a xenon gas pressure of about 10 ^-2 Torr, a 600 ns long input pulse of 1 kV at a pulse frequency of 100 / s (applied via an input resistor 568 of 1500 Ω ), an anode voltage of 0 V and a target load 570 of 50 ε resulted, for example, on a 200 Ω delay line 564, an output voltage of -2 kV and an output voltage of -60 V in the target 556 . There was a faint reddish glow in the tube. When a positive input voltage was applied to the anode 556 , visible EV streamers appeared in the last centimeter of the EV running section immediately before the impact on the anode. The waveform generated in coil 564 is a function of gas pressure. In general, a sharp, approximately 16 ns long negative pulse was generated with the parameters given, followed by a flat pulse with duration proportional to gas pressure, which could be stretched from practically zero to a length of 1 ms in the preferred condition of minimum gas pressure. For such high gas pressures, the frequency of the input pulses can be reduced so that ions can be cleared out in the tube between the pulses and the long output pulse is possible. The amplitude of the negative pulse increased with decreasing gas pressure. At minimal gas pressure, only a sharp negative pulse with a width of about 16 ns occurred.

Fig. 51 shows a planar traveling wave arrangement, generally at 580 , as can be constructed from layers of fabric using lithographic techniques. A dielectric base 582 includes a guide channel 584 in which there is a collector electrode (or anode) 586 . EVs are introduced with a ejector or other suitable device at the left end of the guide groove 584 ( FIG. 51) and held therein with a counter electrode (not visible) on the side of the base 582 facing away from the groove.

A meandering conductor track 588 is applied on the underside of the base 582 under the guide groove 414 , as illustrated, and terminated with a load resistor 590 or possibly another load. EVs are inserted into groove 584 and forwarded by it; energy is transferred from the EVs to the meander 588 and is transferred to the load 590 . Remaining EV energy is received by anode 586 , to which a ground resistor, detector, or other load may be connected. Although not shown, the meander is preferably underlaid with a counterelectrode, insulated by a dielectric layer, in order to achieve a usable impedance and suppression of the radiation and at the same time to introduce a dielectric or spatial layer between the groove and the meander.

As an alternative to applying the meandering conductor track 588 to the underside of the base 582 opposite the guide groove 584 , the latter can be covered with a dielectric and a meandering conductor track such as that at 588 can be fitted over the groove above this. Without such a dielectric cover for separating the groove 584 of the conductor track located above, a counter electrode must be provided on the underside of the base 584 under the guide groove, so that no EVs pass over to the meander conductor track. With such an arrangement, the electrons emitted during the movement of the EVs in the guide groove 584 can be collected on the meandering conductor track, so that a further energy transfer takes place.

Traveling wave tubes or circuits of the type shown in Figs. 50 and 51, for example, thus provide a means of converting EV energy into a form of energy that can be relayed using conventional electrical circuits. With such procedures, electromagnetic radiation from the microwaves to visible light can be generated by EV pulses and coupled to conventional electrical circuits by optionally setting the parameters of the transmission lines and the EV-generating energy.

20. Pulse generator

An EV is characterized by a high negative charge, which is concentrated in a small volume and moves at a relatively high speed, so that an EV or an EV chain can be used to generate high-voltage pulses with short rise and fall times. E.g. Any of the arrangements described here for EV generation can be used in conjunction with a selector, as shown in FIG. 26 or FIG. 27, to achieve the desired charge structure with which EVs are delivered to a trapping electrode which converts the high charge density of an EV into an electromagnetic pulse of the desired pulse shape. A switching or rise time down to about 10 ^-14 s can be achieved if an EV pearl of 10 ¹¹ elementary charges of a total of 1 µm in size, which moves at 1/10 the speed of light, with a to the desired bandwidth designed electrode system is captured. The voltage generated depends on the impedance of the circuit trapping the EVs, but is generally in the range of several kilovolts.

The Fig. 52 shows, generally at 600 a pulse generator with a cylindrically symmetric selector 602nd A conically tapered cathode 604 wetted with conductive material is arranged in the dielectric base 606 of a separator and an aperture 608 thereof. An anode 610 is arranged on the outer surface of the dielectric base 606 , and an extractor electrode 612 is arranged at a short distance from the base aperture in front of the latter. A generally cylindrical conductive shield 614 encloses the separator 602 and is closed by a disk 616 made of dielectric material on which the extractor electrode 612 is attached. A conductive metal coating in the form of a ring represents a connection 618 on the side of the disk 616 facing the shield 614 and is connected to the shield in an electrically conductive manner. A load resistor 620 from a resistance covering covers the ring area between the extractor electrode 612 and the conductor ring 618 , so that the separator 602 is almost completely surrounded by a shield, which shields electrical interference fields and helps to close circuits with low inductance. The total size of the pulse generator can be about 0.5 cm.

The outside of the dielectric disc 616 (see also Fig. 53) is practically mirror image of the inside and has a circular output electrode 622 , which is connected to a ring electrode 624 via a resistance coating 626 , the shape and dimensions of the outer electrodes electrodes 622 , 624 essentially correspond to those of the internal electrodes 612 and 618, respectively. The output electrode 622 is capacitively connected to the extractor electrode 612 , so that when the relatively high charge of an EV or an EV chain is caught by the extractor electrode, a correspondingly high negative charge appears at the output electrode.

In order to initiate EV generation, a suitable negative pulse can be applied to the cathode 604 via the input connection 628 and the anode 610 can be kept at ground or a relatively low positive potential via a connection 630 in a suitable opening 632 . A more positive extractor voltage goes from a connection 634 to the shield 614 via the conductive ring 618 and the internal resistance coating 620 to the extractor electrode 612 . When a generated EV leaves selector 602 and is captured by extractor electrode 612 , the potential of the latter drops rapidly and then rises again as the EV charge is removed from resistive pad 620 and shield 614, and finally through terminal 634 . The voltage applied to the extractor electrode 612 is changeable so that only selected EVs can be extracted from the selector in order to generate the desired output pulses. Via a connection 636 , which is connected to the ring conductor 624 and finally to the output electrode or the resistance covering 626 , a bias voltage can be applied to the output electrode 622 .

In order to achieve short pulse times, small components with low reactance and minimal distances between the circuit elements are generally used. The approach distance of the EV from the selector 602 to the extractor electrode 612 and the charge of the EV determine the rise time of the negative pulse at the output electrode 622 . The RC constant or the resistance value of the load resistor 620 determines the fall time.

E.g. rise and fall times of at least 10-13 seconds can be achieved with a "Picopulser" 600 with a maximum outside diameter of about 0.5 cm. The load resistor 620 typically has a resistance value of at least about 10-4 Ω (and can be 10-3 Ω), which can be represented by a thin metal coating on the surface of the dielectric disk 616 , which in turn can be made of ceramic, for example. A corresponding resistance coating can be used for the resistor 626 in order to achieve the output coupling and the effect of a bypass capacitor. Output resistor 626 determines, for example, the bias on the load. If the output is loaded with a direct current, the decay time of the output pulse can be varied by changing the resistance coating 626 at the output, whereby longer decay times can be achieved through higher resistance values (e.g. fired thick-film resistance coatings). Working voltages up to 8 kV can be achieved for different preloads if you pay attention to the design of the conductive metal layer rings 618 , 624 . The amplitude of the output pulses can be varied by means of the damping factor in the load circuit at connection 636 .

The "Picopulser" 600 thus embodies a technique for achieving very fast, high-amplitude pulses by initially generating EVs or EV chains. For optimal operation, the pulse generator 600 should be operated in a vacuum.

21. Field emission sources

The main requirement for generating an EV is to quickly concentrate a very high uncompensated electron charge in a small volume. Such an operation implies an emission process that is coupled with a fast switching operation. In the various EV generators described above with a gas atmosphere, the switching process is represented by the non-linear effect of gas ionization and possibly some electron impact events. This gas switching process also works when the sources use liquid metal-wetted cathodes, once the basic featemission process has released metal vapor from the cathode region through thermal evaporation and ion bombardment. An EV generation only through field emission can be achieved if the gas and all migratable material are eliminated from the EV generation system. In order to achieve EV generation by field emission, one has to work with fast switching processes and couple them to the field emitter in such a way that the emission process can be switched on and then switched off again before the emitter is heated up to the evaporation point by electron line. The EVs are thus generated by a field emission cathode, which operates in an emission density range above that normally used by other devices, by means of a pulse control which is faster than the thermal time constant of the cathode, so that thermal destruction of the emitter is prevented. Since the thermal time constant of the emitter is typically less than 1 ps, the required short switching time for potentials in the range of several hundred volts can be achieved with EV-actuated switching devices such as the pulse generator 600 shown in FIGS . 52 & 53.

A field emission EV source is shown generally at 650 in FIG. 54 and corresponds in structure and operation to the pulse generator 600 of FIGS. 52 & 53 except that the field emission source pulse output electrode 652 has a pointed emitter 654 , which protrudes from the otherwise disk-shaped electrode. For EV generation, a suitable voltage pulse signal is applied to cathode 656 and anode 658 of the separator generally shown at 660 ; an extractor voltage applied to the extractor electrode 662 is said to attract an EV. When collecting the EV on the extractor electrode 662 , a negative pulse of short rise time arises at the output electrode 652 , so that a strong field is concentrated at the tip of the emitter 654 . The resulting field effect at the tip of emitter 654 leads to the generation of one or more EVs by pure field emission, the field emission source operating in a vacuum. The negative pulse generated by the EV at the output electrode 652 must also have a short decay time so that the pulse has decayed before the emitter 654 can be damaged during the decay. The resistance covering 664 on the side of the disk 666 facing the extractor can be approximately 10 ^-2 Ω, the resistance covering 668 on the side facing the field emitter approximately 10 ⁶ Ω. An EV guide 670 of the generally cylindrical design shown in FIG. 15 is shown in an arrangement in which it can receive EVs dropped from the emitter 654 and deliver them to the intended load.

The field emission generator 650 can be used to generate EVs, while at the same time checking the field emission cathode de 654 for damage in order to optimize the EV formation process in order to minimize damage. A phosphor screen or a detection plate (not shown) can be placed in a position in which he or she can catch the EVs formed on the emitter 654 . The picopulse is turned off and a bias voltage is applied over line 672 to apply a DC voltage to the emitter 654 and draw a DC field emission therefrom. Although the bias voltage applied to line 672 is usually negative, it may be positive if the EV is generated on cathode 656 with a voltage greater than 2 kV. The emission pattern on the phosphor screen or the detection plate can then be analyzed together with the level of the DC bias and the current to the emitter 654 to determine the cathode radius, the crystallographic state and other morphological properties immediately after the EV generation. Such analysis methods for field emission surfaces are known.

The peak voltage of the picopulser used to drive the field emitter 654 can be determined by changing the bias voltage applied via the line 672 in order to shift the pulse voltage for the cathode 656 . The field emitter 654 is used as a very fast rectifier or detector in order to measure the pulse peak at the cathode 654 . In order to determine the properties of the EVs produced, a thin layer or foil of smooth metal, such as a detection plate, can be arranged in front of an anode (not shown), which in turn is arranged in front of the emitter 654 and connected to the anode. A vacuum of up to 1 mm between the emitter 654 and this anode is suitable in vacuum and at about 2 kV operating voltage of the system. The impact mark that the EV leaves on the detection plate can be analyzed with a scanning electron microscope for the number of EV beads produced and their impact pattern. Numerous high-speed effects can be examined with the generator 650 shown in FIG. 54. If you keep the output signal of the pulse generator low in voltage and use a sensitive detector for the detection of the emission from the field emitter 654 , you can effectively measure very short and high voltage pulses with a substitution technique using the rectifier of the field emitter. The bias voltage applied to line 672 is used in place of the pulse voltage.

At pulse voltages with values well within the range usually considered to be the space charge saturation range of a field emitter, the emitter 654 generates electron beams that resemble EVs on a detection plate. These small EVs are very useful for specialized computer-like applications that use charge control.

The field emission generator shown in Fig. 54 is an example of one of the methods to achieve the switching speed with relatively large components, with which EV production is possible by pure field emission. For practical applications, it may be desirable to use a complete system of compatible microcomponents to manufacture the switch and dropout devices. In view of the required small dimensions and relatively high voltages, arrangements for the use and generation of EVs that can be used more effectively can still be produced by a relatively pure field emission using microfabrication technology.

Fig. 55 shows a microcircuit in which thin film techniques for building a complete system for manufacturing EVs by field emission without the use of external EV generators or massive components were used, which would have prevented a high working speed. Here the switching process takes place by feedback on a time scale compatible with the thermal processes in the EV generator; maW: the switching speed is as fast as, or preferably faster than, the heating time constant and the thermal processes. To avoid destroying the cathode, the emitter must be switched on and off in less than 1 ps.

The field emission source shown generally at 680 in FIG. 55 corresponds in structure to the tetrode source 510 of FIGS. 46-48. A dielectric base 682 includes an elongated groove 684 , which may be generally rectangular in cross-section and contains a line source 686 as the cathode, which is not operationally wetted with a metal coating. A counter electrode 688 is disposed on the side facing away from the groove 684 of the base 682 under a part of the guide groove 684th The like is a control electrode 690 arranged on the same side of the base 682 as the counter electrode 688 and extends from a side edge of the base to a position between the ends of the cathode 686 and the counter electrode, cutting the guide groove 684 . A feedback electrode 692 is provided on the side of the base 682 facing away from the cathode 686 and extends laterally over the underside of the base to the end of the counter electrode 688 near the cathode. A leg 694 of the feedback electrode 688 extends along a cutout 696 in the Ge gene electrode 688 , so that the feedback electrode can interact with an EV while it is passing along the guide groove 684 - generally for the length of the leg 694 .

Fig. 56 shows at 700 a circuit diagram of the field emission source 680 of Fig. 55 and the associated means for generating EV-by field emission. An energy store 702 is connected to the cathode 686 and is provided with a suitable negative voltage via a line 704 . The passive energy source 702 can be a capacitor or a stripe delay line, as used in hydrogen thyratron pulse radars and possibly fed via a resistor. Power source 702 typically provides a negative 1 ps pulse when discharged by a change in potential at control electrode 690 . Otherwise, a constant potential can be placed between the cathode 686 and the counter electrode 688 .

A phase-reversing pulse converter 706 with an air core is optionally actuated via line 708 with a trigger pulse in order to apply a positive control bias voltage, which is supplied on line 710 , to control electrode 690 and thus to initiate EV generation by field emission at cathode 686 conduct. The feedback signal required to maintain the emission after the trigger pulse falls and until the energy stored in the power supply is exhausted is supplied by the converter 706 via the feedback electrode 692 .

The field emitters such as 654 and 686 , which are used in pure field emission sources such as the one described, should be made of a material that is relatively stable against thermal and ion sputter damage. E.g. metal carbides such as titanium carbide and graphite have these properties and give good cathodes. Accordingly, the dielectric material should have high stability and high dielectric strength. Layers of aluminum oxide and diamond-like carbon show these properties. Since no self-regeneration is available for the cathodes (in contrast to those wetted with liquid metal), an ultra-high vacuum is preferably set at the emitters in order to avoid damage due to ion bombardment or a change in the surface work function.

The prevailing conditions prohibit the use of pure field emission emitters of considerable size. For an emitter such as that shown at 686 in Fig. 55, the critical limit for lateral expansion appears to be about 1 µm. For cathodes of this size, the stored energy of the associated circuit imposes an excessive heat load on the small emitter area during the emission. Below the size range of 1 µm, the field emitter has the advantage of good cooling due to the naturally high surface-to-volume ratio of the small circuit elements.

22. X-ray source

EVs can be used to generate X-rays. An x-ray generator is shown generally at 720 in FIG. 57 and has a mercury-wetted copper cathode 722 of the type shown in FIG. 4, a separator 724 with a counter electrode 726 as shown in FIG. 8, and an anode 728 for Generation and propagation of EVs (and possibly EV chains) from the cathode through the separator aperture to the anode.

It has been found that the impact of an EV on a target or anode and the resulting standstill lead to a flash of light from the resulting plasma and a crater, which remains as a result of the decay of the EV and the resulting energy conversion. Part of this energy becomes X-rays. The x-ray source itself within the target 728 is as small as the EV, ie it has lateral dimensions in the range of approximately 1 to 20 μm depending on the way in which the EV was originally created or selected. The small x-ray source has a relatively high production efficiency and produces relatively intensive radiation, so that the total x-ray output power is quite high compared to the input energy. This phenomenon indicates intense X-ray production as the ordered EV structure decays, possibly due to the breakdown of the strong magnetic field created by the movement of electrons within the EV.

The EV from the cathode 722 and from the separator 724 strikes the anode target 728 , whereby X-rays are emitted, as shown in FIG. 57. The material of the target 728 has a sufficiently low inductance that it effectively breaks up the EV. A material with a low atomic number, such as graphite, minimizes the damage caused by EV decay and allows the generated X-rays to pass relatively easily to the outside of the target 728 . The x-ray source 720 can be operated in vacuum or in a gas at never third pressure. In xenon gas with a few torr and with a pulse signal of 2 kV at the cathode for EV generation, for example, the cathode 722 and the separator 724 can be up to about 60 cm away from the anode target 728 . The analysis of the entire X-ray radiation from the source 720 can be accomplished in a known manner - for example using filters, photographic film or wavelength dispersion spectrometers. However, since the X-ray photons are all generated approximately at the same time, the spectral energy content of the X-ray radiation generated cannot be determined with such a spectrometer.

The present invention provides an x-ray generator or an X-ray source, for example as an X-ray point source for the "Stop Motion" X-ray photography and also as an X-ray gene generator for a wide variety of X-ray applications suitable is.

23. Electron source

EVs traveling along a route generally emit electrons, which can be collected, for example, with a collector electrode. E.g. in the case of RC guides, the electrons emitted from the guide groove can be caught above it if the groove is deep enough and the EV is firmly coupled to the bottom of the guide groove or at least to the counter electrode on the opposite side of the dielectric base . The electrons thus emitted come from secondary and field emission sources, which were generated by the energy of the passing EV. Since these electrons come from a dielectric material with a relatively long RC time constant for recharging, this recharging has to be waited until another EV can occupy the area and continue to emit electrons. With LC guides, this delay is relatively short because the recharging takes place via metallic electrodes. Electrons can be easily collected with a collecting electrode for use, since the EV has given them a certain amount of initial energy. In the case of LC guides, any of the electrodes in the guides of FIGS. 20 or 21 can be used as a collecting electrode.

An EV's ability to emit electrons allows it to be used as a cathode in various applications. A properly excited EV can emit a fairly narrow band of electron energies. The Main point of view for the use of such a cathode is the determination of the mean energy and the energy loyalty range of the emitted electrons. There is also one Chopper effect, which on the finite distance between the a guide along and electron-emitting EVs is based. The chopper area is generally available from the im  essentially continuous emission of a practically continuous Sequence of EVs up to a strongly impulsive emission from the Passing a single EV or EV chain under one Aperture. Consequently, the type of EV transportation as well as the Leadership structure that the EVs go through on the special Use case of electron emission to be matched.

A keyed or chopped electron emission source is shown generally at 740 in FIG. 58 and may be part of a triode structure. An RC-EV guide 742 is provided; it has a guide groove 744 and a (not visible) counter electrode on the underside of the guide base facing away from the groove, analogous to the EV guide shown in FIG. 11. A dielectric plate 746 is placed directly on the base of the guide 742 . The plate 746 contains over the guide groove 744, the openings 748 , which are lined with metal coverings 750 , which serve as touch electrodes. A third element (not shown) may be an anode or the like and disposed over the dielectric plate 746 to receive the emitted electrons; the type of this third element is determined in the individual case by the intended use of the emitted electrons.

In operation, one or more EVs are dropped or otherwise introduced into the guide groove 744 , as indicated by the arrow I. As discussed above, as the EV travels through the guide groove 744, it results in secondary or field emission effects, the electrons of which can emerge from the guide groove, as indicated by the arrow J , since they have an initial propagation energy when they are formed in the presence of the EV has been notified. In general, the emitted electrons can be attracted to a third component such as an anode (not shown). However, the movement of the electrons to this third component can be controlled by applying suitable potentials to a control electrode 750 . In general, the potential applied to a control electrode 750 is always negative to the cathode used for EV generation. In fact, the gate or opening 748 in the dielectric can be opened or closed in any case for the passage of electrons by selecting a certain potential and applying it to the respective control electrode 750 . To close gate 748 , the potential at control electrode 750 is made more negative so that no electrons can be emitted through it. In order to open the gate 748 , the potential at the control electrode 850 is made less negative (relative to the EV-generating cathode), so that an electron emission through the gate is possible.

Electrons are emitted as an EV travels in the guide groove 744 . However, the electrons can only reach the third electrode at the locations of the passages 748 through the dielectric plate 746 . Thus, an EV passing through the guide groove 744 causes the pulse emission of electrons through the dielectric plate 746 , the pulses occurring at the locations of the passages 748 . Furthermore, a given passage 748 can be blocked for electron passage by applying a suitable potential to the associated control electrode 750 . The pulse train can be further varied by sending a train of EVs or EV chains along the guide groove 744 to produce, for example, an extended train of electron pulses along the row of the passages 748 , with the 750 potential values applied to the various control electrodes change in time. Therefore, the electron emission pattern can be varied within wide limits both by selecting the EV locomotion and by modulating the potentials on the control electrodes 750 .

In order to prevent the EV itself from escaping through one of the passages 748 , the groove 744 should be kept relatively deep. Alternatively, a spacer (not shown) can be inserted between the plate 746 and the base of the guide 742 .

It can be seen that the electron passages 748 can be arranged in a chosen pattern and suitable EV guide structures can be provided for this. The number and arrangement of the passages 748 along the guide groove 744 can be varied in order to also select the electron emission pattern. Furthermore, the passages 748 can be through holes in a dielectric plate, for example, which completely surrounds each passage. In this case, the control electrodes 750 can also line the inner surfaces of the passages on all sides.

In general, any EV generator that generates suitable EVs for the intended application can also be used to provide EVs for electron emission. Typically, a version of the electrodeless EV source shown in FIG. 49 that operates at low gas pressure can be used. The inert gas pressure in the system can range from 10-3 torr and would be in equilibrium throughout the system.

The electron emission generated from the EV movement using one of the devices disclosed here (such as the keyed electron source 740 of FIG. 58) can be used in many different ways. E.g. Numerous devices that were previously not usable due to the lack of a cathode of sufficient emission strength can now be used if they work with an electron source based on EVs. Such a class of arrangements such as the "<beamed deflection free electron" devices can now be used using a keyed electron source of the type shown in FIG. 58.

24. RF source

When EVs pass through the LC guides of FIGS. 20 and 21, RF fields arise within the guides. The interaction with these fields is used to manage the EVs; external radiation is not used. However, the HF energy generated during the passage of the EVs can be extracted from the EV guide and used for external use.

Fig. 59 shows at 760 a general form of an RF source. A dielectric base 762 with an elongated guide groove 764 creates a guide structure for EVs running into the groove, as indicated by the arrow K. A counterelectrode 766 , which may be provided on the underside of the dielectric base 762 , contains a number of slots 768 . A field influenced by charges on the counter electrode 766 takes part in the HF production; the result is intense if the counter electrode is in a slotted form. A second electrode in the form of a collector 770 is arranged under the counter electrode 766 and separated from it by a dielectric, which can be a free space or a dielectric material (not shown). The collector 770 has a series of arms or lugs 772 , each of which is immediately below one of the slots 768 in the counter electrode. When EVs move along the guide channel 764 , their charge can couple through the slots 768 in the counterelectrode to the collector 770 , in which the RF field is created. The RF energy can be taken from the collector 770 by any circuit or an additional radiation system.

There is a reciprocal relationship between the EV speed in the guide channel 764 and the cavities 768 in connection with the approaches of the collector electrode 772 , which determines the frequency of the radiation produced. This frequency is equal to the speed of the EV multiplied by the inverse distance between slots 768 .

It will be appreciated that the shape of the openings 768 in the counter electrode 766 determines the waveforms to be generated. Aperiodic waveforms that can be used to control various computer or timing functions can be generated with the structure shown in FIG. 59 by a suitable design of the openings 768 in the counterelectrode.

The load on the collector electrode 770 must be proportioned according to the bandwidth of the waveform generated. For low frequencies, a transmission line that is ohmically terminated with its characteristic impedance should be connected to the collector electrode 770 . The speed of the EVs in the guide groove 764 can be synchronized with an impressed RF signal, as already mentioned above in the discussion of the LC guides. Such synchronization helps regulate the frequency of the output pulses to be picked up at the collector electrode 770 .

The waveform generator of FIG. 59 can be used to generate pulses of positive or negative polarity by differentiating the EV charge upon passage of the EV at the slot 768 in the counter electrode 766th A high-impedance load at the output of the collector electrode 770 generates essentially negative pulses; With a low-impedance load on the counterelectrode de 770 , you first get a negative and then a positive pulse. This pulse shape is useful for generating the positive waveforms required to drive field emission devices into the emission state - this is just one example of an application of EVs to generate electromagnetic energy.

25. Conclusion

The present invention provides techniques for creating, separating, handling and using EVs in the form of individual EV beads or as EV chains. The controlled generation and propagation of EVs have wide-ranging applications, some of which have already been discussed. The moving EVs themselves are sources of energy, including RF electromagnetic energy, which can be utilized using an EV RF source of the type shown in Fig. 59 or a traveling wave arrangement as shown in Fig. 50 or 51 is shown. Due to the electron emission accompanying an EV movement over, for example, a dielectric surface, these EVs can be treated as a virtual cathode if, for example, the EV source shown in FIG. 58 is used. By suitable selection of the key function in such an electron source, a multitude of applications is available wherever intensive electron beams are required, for example. The picoscope described above also uses the electron emission that occurs during EV propagation to create a very fast miniaturized oscilloscope, for example for the analysis of electrical signals. Analog uses the Picopulser of FIG. 52, the fast transfer of large electrical La decisions from rapidly rising countries and falling high-voltage pulses to generate. Such fast pulses can also be used in a variety of ways - for example when operating pure field emission sources such as the EV generator of FIG. 54.

The ability to create and selectively manipulate EVs leads to a new kind of electrical technology that is characterized by several desirable special features. Genes The components of this technology are extremely small and over a wide range of voltages can be used. As mentioned, run operations performed with EV technology very quickly; high energy concentrations in the form of EVs transfer quickly. The different generators, dropping directions, guides, separators, selectors and dividers read in analogy to, for example, high vacuum tubes, Transisto  ren and the like. The known electronic technology be try.

From the foregoing disclosure of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the arrangements and devices described herein can be assembled to suit a given application. One of the numerous generators disclosed here can work together with one or more guides, for example to supply the EVs required in a picoscope. An EV generator can be combined with guides and one or more parts and / or one or more points to create several EV tracks that can be selected with the points for EV transport. An EV generator gate can be used with guides and one or more picopulsers to generate output pulses at desired locations and - with further use of a divider with variable transit time (see FIG. 33) - at different time intervals. Accordingly, each of the energy converting devices such as the traveling wave circuits of FIGS. 50 & 51, the RF source of FIG. 59 or the electron emission source of FIG. 58 can be used together with the various other EV treatment devices such as guides, dividers and switches. It can also be seen that the EV selectors, separators and discharge devices can be used where EVs of a desired charge size - free from the impurities of a plasma discharge - are to be introduced into a specific guide or other arrangement. The electron camera is useful for analyzing the EV behavior itself and other processes, including the time-varying fields (in combination with the Picoscop or multi-dimensional oscilloscope arrangements, as shown, for example, in FIG. 44).

Claims (146)

1. A discreet, negatively charged and self-contained sen bundle of electrons. 2. electron beam according to claim 11, characterized ge indicates that the self-isolation of the Electron bundle is a function of between electrons prevailing electromagnetic fields. 3. Discrete, negatively charged, generally positive Ions uncompensated state of matter, whose charge density is close is the average charge density of a solid. 4. state of matter according to claim 3, characterized in that the charge density is in the order of 10 ²³ electron charges / cm ³ . 5. Discrete, negatively charged and self-contained Electron bundle created by applying an electric field is generated between a cathode and an anode. 6. An EV. 7. A chain of EVs. 8. By applying an electric field between one Cathode and an anode produced EV chain. 9. Arrangement for generating EVs, marked net through a device for generating an electrical discharge from EVs and one or more particles from the group of positive ions, negative ions, electrons, neutral parts and photons or their combinations, and by a device for separating the EVs from these particles. 10. Arrangement for generating EVs, marked net by a conductive cathode and one of these separate second conductive electrode. 11. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized through a generally flat dielectric material between the cathode and the second conductive electrode, wherein the cathode faces the dielectric material on a  Side of the same arranged tapered metal element and the second electrode is a planar element on that of the cathode Have opposite side of the dielectric material. 12. The arrangement according to claim 11, characterized records that the tapered cathode is a general has a conical end that wets with conductive material is. 13. Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized continue through a storage room for metallic material for Wetting the conical end of the cathode. 14. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized further by a generally flat dielectric Material between the cathode and the second electrode, wherein the cathode is a planar cathode on one side of the dielectri material and the second electrode on the opposite set side of the dielectric material is arranged. 15. Arrangement according to claim 14, characterized continue with a separator with one above the flat surface Dielectric element arranged against the cathode and a third th conductive electrode on the dielectric element, the to the generally flat dielectric material stands.   16. The arrangement according to claim 14, characterized still by at least a partially enclosed structure as part of the dielectric material in which the flat Cathode is arranged and which receives and leads the EVs. 17. The arrangement according to claim 16, characterized records that the management structure is generally langge stretches and an at least partially enclosed path to Leading EVs forms. 18. Arrangement according to claim 17, characterized further by a cover made of dielectric material which the elongated enclosing structure at least partially covered. 19. The arrangement according to claim 17, characterized in that it is part of a selector in the arrangement for generating EVs, which further comprises:

• (a) a second, generally elongated guide structure intersecting the first guide structure between the cathode and the second electrode at an acute angle;
• (b) a third conductive electrode arranged along the second guide structure; and
• (c) at least one extractor electrode lying generally along the first guide structure on the side of the interface facing away from the cathode; in which
• (d) attracts a voltage EVs applied to the third electrode and a voltage applied to the at least one extractor electrode causes selected EVs to move along the first guide structure beyond the interface.

20. The arrangement according to claim 14, characterized records that the cathode is the conductive material has wetting substructure material. 21. The arrangement according to claim 14, characterized records that the EVs are generated by field emission without generates thermionic emission. 22. The arrangement according to claim 14, characterized continue by one between the cathode and the second Electrode on the same side of the dielectric material control electrode arranged like the second electrode. 23. The arrangement according to claim 22, characterized records that the cathode is the conductive material has wetting substructure material. 24. The arrangement according to claim 22, characterized further by an at least partially enclosing structure part as part of the dielectric material in which the  Flat cathode is arranged and which receives the EVs and leads. 25. Arrangement according to claim 22, characterized further by a feedback electrode, generally in is arranged in the vicinity of the second electrode. 26. Arrangement according to claim 25, characterized records that the cathode be the conductive material has wetting substructure material. 27. The arrangement according to claim 25, characterized records that the EVs by array by field emission generated without thermionic emission. 28. Arrangement according to claim 27, characterized still by an at least partially enclosed structure Door part made of dielectric material, within which the flat surface is arranged cathode and which receives the EVs and leads. 29. Arrangement according to claim 25, characterized still by an at least partially enclosed structure Door part made of dielectric material, within which the flat surface is arranged cathode and which receives the EVs and leads.   30. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized records that the cathode and the second electrode are separated from each other by a free space and that a facility surrounding the free space is provided to to be able to control the atmosphere in it. 31. Arrangement according to claim 30, characterized records that it is the means of enclosing of the gap is a pipe. 32. Arrangement according to claim 30, characterized records that it is the controlled atmosphere is a low pressure gas. 33. Arrangement according to claim 30, characterized records that it is the controlled atmosphere is an at least partial vacuum. 34. Arrangement according to claim 30, characterized records that the cathode is generally cylindrical Component with a relatively sharp end. 35. Arrangement according to claim 34, characterized records that the cathode with a conductive mate rial is wetted from a supply of such.   36. Arrangement according to claim 35, characterized records that the cathode is generally tubular is built and its wall tapers around the sharp end form as a circle, with the stock within the tubular element is located so that the conductive material the inside of the cathode is wetted. 37. Arrangement according to claim 35, characterized records that the cathode with a conical taper is executed, the bil the relatively sharp end det, and that the cathode is surrounded by a surface that an annular space between itself and the reservoir Leaves cathode. 38. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized records that the cathode is separated from the anode by a Free space is separated so that the cathode has a cylindrical symmetry element with a taper to a relatively sharp one End, and that continues to be a dielectric, general tubular element is provided that the cathode at least partially encloses and an opening between the cathode end and the second electrode and a third electrode conductive material that carries the path between the cathodes end and the opening and encloses the dielectric mate separates the element from this path.   39. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized records that the cathode is the conductive material has wetting substructure material. 40. Arrangement according to claim 39, characterized records that the cathode is generally flat. 41. Arrangement according to claim 39, characterized records that the cathode continues to be a general cylindrical structure with a conical taper to one has a relatively sharp end. 42. Arrangement according to claim 41, characterized continue through an area that generally surrounds the cathode engages around an annulus between the surface and the cathode to hold a supply of the conductive material. 43. Arrangement according to claim 39, characterized records that the cathode continues to be a general has tubular structure, the wall of which relates to one sharp end in the form of a circle is tapered. 44. Arrangement according to claim 43, characterized records that the pipe structure has a stock of conductive material, so the inside of the cathode wetted.   45. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized records that it is in a low pressure gas atmosphere sphere is located. 46. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized records that it is in at least a partial vacuum located. 47. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized is characterized by the fact that an envelope made of dielectri cal material is provided and the cathode and the second Electrode is outside of this envelope, EV be created within this envelope. 48. Arrangement according to claim 47, characterized continue through a pair within the envelope that partially forms two chambers inside the envelope, in which a controlled atmosphere can be set in each case. 49. Arrangement according to claim 48, characterized records that the second electrode about the envelope at least partially encompasses the aperture.   50. Arrangement according to claim 48, characterized in that

• (a) the cathode is at one end of the envelope,
• (b) the second electrode at least partially encompasses the covering and
• (c) a third electrode for manipulating EVs is arranged behind the second electrode.

51. Arrangement according to claim 47, characterized in that

• (a) the cathode is at one end of the envelope,
• (b) the second electrode at least partially encompasses the sheath, and
• (c) the third electrode for manipulating EVs is arranged behind the second electrode.

52. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized records that the cathode as a conductive outer surface on a tapered dielectric material and of the tip of the dielectric material is spaced, that the second electrode is a conical metal coating on the In surface of the dielectric material and symmetrical with the is conical dielectric material and the cathode, and that furthermore a cylindrically symmetrical third electrode from the Cathode and the second electrode is provided spaced,  so that EVs generated at the cathode have a gap between them Pass through the cathode and the area in the third electrode can. 53. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized further by a selector for optionally extracting EVs from a variety of such. 54. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized further by a separator for extracting EVs from the Products of plasma discharge that are used in EV generation if arise. 55. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized records that the second electrode is a target that when an EV strikes electromagnetic radiation in the X-ray area is emitted. 56. Arrangement according to claim 55, characterized further by a separator for extracting EVs from the Plasma discharge products used in EV generation also arise. 57. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized continue through a facility that is the general direction the propagation of the EVs generated within the array Right.   58. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized by means of generating voltage pulses. 59. Arrangement according to claim 58, characterized records that the device for producing chip voltage pulses has an output electrode on which the Im pulses occur when EVs reach the second electrode. 60. Arrangement according to claim 59, characterized continues through an EV emitter to accommodate the output im pulse and for generating EVs. 61. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized through a conductive element at the point of separation between the Cathode and the second electrode, which are in a group is present, so that from the cathode to the second electrode running EVs repeatedly pass parts of the element, whereby to this energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation goes. 62. Arrangement according to claim 10, further characterized by

• (a) an elongated trough made of generally porous electrical material, wherein
• (b) the cathode is generally directed towards the interior of the trough,
• (c) the second electrode is generally arranged along the trough and
• (d) the atmosphere of the assembly is controlled by a gas that selectively penetrates the trough through its dielectric material.

63. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized continue through an additional electrode and means to either the general direction of EV propagation too change by optionally adding an electric field to the additional Liche electrode is placed. 64. Arrangement for manipulating EVs, marked characterized by a facility to them in their all general direction of reproduction. 65. Arrangement according to claim 64, characterized records that the guide means a dielectri body with a first and a second surface, the facing each other, as well as in the first Surface has a channel that receives EVs and their Be limited movement. 66. Arrangement according to claim 65, characterized records that the channel is a langge stretched groove.   67. Arrangement according to claim 66, characterized continue through a dielectric cover over at least part of the groove. 68. Arrangement according to claim 65, characterized further by an electrode on the second surface of the di electrical body to which an electrical potential can be placed to EVs at least partially in the groove hold. 69. Arrangement according to claim 65, characterized shows that the channel is at least partially by the Section of another surface of the dielectric body the first surface at an angle of no more than 90 ° is formed. 70. Arrangement according to claim 69, characterized records that the dielectric body is a first and has a second element, the second in contact with the first stands, the first surface is on the first element and the additional area are located on the second element. 71. Arrangement according to claim 65, characterized records that the channel is an optionally changeable Has length.   72. Arrangement according to claim 64, characterized records that the guide means a general having cylindrical tubular dielectric body. 73. Arrangement according to claim 72, characterized further by an electrode on a generally cylindrical outer surface of the body to which an electrical poten tial can be placed to at least partially EVs by the Let the inside of the body run. 74. Arrangement according to claim 72, characterized further by an electrode on the inner surface of the body, to which an electrical potential can be applied to min mostly partial EVs along the generally cylindrical To let the outer surface of the body run along. 75. Arrangement according to claim 64, characterized records that the guide device at least one has optically reflective surface. 76. Arrangement according to claim 64, characterized records that the guide device on a switch with which the general direction of reproduction of EVs can be changed optionally. 77. Arrangement according to claim 76, characterized in that the switch

• (a) an intermediate section for temporarily narrowing EVs,
• (b) an input channel for introducing EVs into the intermediate section,
• (c) at least one output channel for leading EVs out of the intermediate section and
• (d) has at least one electrode to which an electrical potential can be applied in order to selectively control the passage of EVs to the output channels.

78. Arrangement according to claim 77, characterized through a dielectric cover over the intermediate Area. 79. Arrangement according to claim 77, characterized continue with a feedback electrode nearby min at least an output channel for recording feedback signals from EVs that the intermediate section by the respective exit towards the output channel. 80. Arrangement according to claim 77, characterized further by an additional electrode for at least one of the channels relative to this for applying a potential is arranged to at least partially EVs along this To pass through the channel.   81. Arrangement according to claim 64, characterized records that the guide device is a divider. 82. Arrangement according to claim 81, characterized records that the divider is a dielectric body with at least two intersecting channels along one Surface of the same has, whereby the interface of the EVs reaching channels by at least one of the at least two channels can continue to run. 83. Arrangement according to claim 82, characterized indicates that the channels are elongated grooves. 84. Arrangement according to claim 82, characterized records that at least one of the channels at least partly from the intersection of two surfaces of the dielectric Body is formed at an angle of at most 90 °. 85. Arrangement according to claim 82, characterized records that at least one of the channels is along which EVs continue to run after passing through the interface can have an optionally adjustable length. 86. Arrangement according to claim 64, characterized records that the leadership at least one conductive Body that EVs can walk past so that the capacitive and inductive interaction between the EVs and  the body in a certain general direction lets continue to run. 87. Arrangement according to claim 86, characterized in that

• (a) the guide further comprises an array of a plurality of such conductive bodies spaced apart along the general direction, and that
• (b) each of the conductive bodies has a multi-pole element such that EVs running in the general direction pass between at least two poles of such a body.

88. Arrangement according to claim 86, characterized indicates that the conductive body is grouped has spaced elements, each one Have passage through which in the general direction coming EVs can walk through. 89. Arrangement according to claim 64, characterized draws that the guide means has means to choose an electron emission from the trajectory of the EVs forward wisely. 90. Arrangement according to claim 64, characterized in that the guide device

• (a) a dielectric body having a channel along a surface thereof for receiving and restricting the movement of EVs,
• (b) a dielectric cover over at least a portion of the channel, one or more openings in the cover overlying the channel, and
• (c) has a sensing electrode at each opening for selectively receiving an electrical potential to selectively allow or prevent electrons from passing through the opening.

91. Arrangement according to claim 30, characterized ge indicates that the cathode is a conductive Has material-wetting substructure material. 92. Arrangement according to claim 64, characterized in that the guide

• (a) a dielectric body with a channel on a first surface for receiving EVs and limiting their movement,
• (b) a first electrode disposed on a second side of the dielectric body and containing one or more openings along the channel, and
• (c) has a second electrode generally along but spaced from the first electrode, the second electrode having bulk material disposed at the openings for emitting through the openings in the first electrode as EVs pass in the channel record electromagnetic radiation.

93. Arrangement according to claim 92, characterized ge indicates that the electromagnetic radiation is in the HF range. 94. Arrangement according to claim 64, characterized in that the guide

• (a) a deflection area in which the path of an EV can optionally be deflected,
• (b) a facility for guiding EVs into the deflection area as well
• (c) has a pair of electrodes along the deflection area which can be used to deflect the path of an EV in the deflection area in accordance with the electrical signal by applying an electrical signal thereto.

95. Arrangement according to claim 94, characterized net through a fluorescent screen on the deflection area is arranged to trap electrons that pass through of an EV can be emitted through the deflection area and onto the Collecting electrons by emitting visible light right yaws.   96. Arrangement according to claim 95, characterized net through a vision system to enlarge the light fabric screen generated light image. 97. Arrangement according to claim 94, characterized net through a dielectric body on which the deflection is richly arranged and on which the two electrodes are are brought. 98. Arrangement according to claim 94, characterized net by an electron camera in a position from which it emitted as EVs passed through the deflection area Can collect electrons. 99. An EV generator in combination with an EV Separa gate for extracting EVs from plasma discharge products, the arise in EV generation. 100. Arrangement according to claim 100, characterized in that

• (a) the generator has a generally cylindrical symmetrical cathode with a sharp end and
• (b) the separator has a dielectric, generally tubular element which at least partially surrounds the cathode, engages around an opening which is aligned with and spaced from the sharp end of the cathode, and has an electrode on its outer surface,
• (c) wherein generated EVs exit through the opening encompassed by the tubular member, but other discharge products can be retained in the tubular member.

101. Arrangement according to claim 99, characterized in that

• (a) the generator has a dielectric body with a first surface on which a cathode is arranged,
• (b) the separator has a dielectric member disposed over the dielectric body and at least partially covering the cathode, cooperating with the dielectric body to at least partially form an opening generally aligned with the cathode and spaced apart from the cathode, and has an electrode on an outer surface of the element,
• (c) wherein generated EVs can exit through the opening while other discharge products can be retained in the area between the dielectric body and the dielectric element.

102. An EV release device that allows EVs to move can be issued through the room. 103. Arrangement according to claim 102, characterized net by an EV generator connected to an electrode which a potential can be applied to an EV from the generator  to take off and give him a movement through space, is arranged separately. 104. EV selector for selectively separating one or multiple EVs from a variety of EVs. 105. Arrangement according to claim 104, characterized ge indicates that the selector is a general pipe shaped dielectric member that leads to an opening is tapered, which engages around a sharp edge, and that one Electrode on the outer surface of the tubular member is arranged, with EVs from inside the tubular element can run through the opening to the electrode while using an externally applied potential EVs selectively from the edges area can be extracted. 106. Arrangement according to claim 105, characterized net by one within the generally tubular element arranged cathode, which is aligned with the opening, so that by applying a potential difference between the cathode and the electrode EVs can be generated. 107. Arrangement according to claim 105, characterized net through a second electrode ge from the opening is arranged separately and to which the external potential is applied can be used to selectively extract EVs from the edge region ren.   108. Arrangement according to claim 104, characterized in that the selector

• (a) a dielectric body with a first surface,
• (b) first and second EV guide channels along the first surface that intersect at an acute angle to form an edge at the interior angle of the cut, and
• (c) has an electrode which is offset along the second channel from its intersection with the first channel and is arranged such that EVs passing through the first channel surround the edge towards the electrode, wherein an external potential can be applied to selectively EVs to be extracted from the edge area so that they run along the first channel away from the edge.

109. Arrangement according to claim 108, characterized net by using a generally flat cathode in the generation of EVs that run along the first channel the side of the edge opposite the electrode is. 110. Arrangement according to claim 108, characterized net by at least one further electrode, the general arranged along the first channel and away from the cut is selective to apply the external potential with which EVs can be extracted from the edge area.   111. An EV oscilloscope for putting on an electrical one Signals to the trajectory of an EV in order to create this deflect the signal accordingly. 112. Arrangement according to claim 111, characterized by

• (a) a deflection area in which the trajectory of an EV can optionally be deflected,
• (b) means for directing EVs into the deflection area, and
• (c) a pair of electrodes along the deflection area to which an electrical signal can be applied to deflect the trajectory of an EV in the deflection area in accordance with the electrical signal.

113. Arrangement according to claim 112, characterized net by a phosphor arranged at the deflection area screen that captures the electrons that are generated when an EV runs be emitted through the deflection area, and responsive to these electrons emit visible light. 114. Arrangement according to claim 113, characterized net through a vision system to enlarge the light fabric screen generated light image. 115. Arrangement according to claim 112, characterized net through a dielectric body on which the deflection  area is formed and on which the two electrodes are attached are brought. 116. Arrangement according to claim 112, characterized net by an electron camera in a position from which it can trap electrons passing through an EV the deflection area are emitted. 117. Arrangement according to claim 112, characterized net by at least one other such oscilloscope, which is arranged relative to the first oscilloscope so that the Deflection areas of both overlap at least partially. 118. Arrangement according to claim 117, characterized ge indicates that the intended Oszil loskope are directed so that each with their electrodes applied electrical signals the trajectory of an EV can be deflected three-dimensionally. 119. Arrangement according to claim 117, characterized ge indicates that one or more electrons cameras are provided and arranged in order to run a EVs to pick up electrons emitted by the deflection areas men. 120. Electron camera for observing an event by means of an electron pattern.   121. Arrangement according to claim 120, characterized in that the electron camera

• (a) a pinhole of the smallest dimensions ("pinhole") for the passage of electrons as well
• (b) has a device which generates a visible output signal when electrons strike and is generally aligned with the pinhole, but is arranged at a distance from it.

122. Arrangement according to claim 121, characterized net by deflection electrodes, which are generally between the hole aperture and the one generating a visible output signal direction are arranged, by applying an electri potential to the electrodes before the opening Electrons to the one generating the visible output signal Set up the path of movement by stepping through the pinhole the electrons can optionally be deflected. 123. Arrangement according to claim 121, characterized ge indicates that the output signal is visible nal generating device the combination of a channel electric has multiplier with a fluorescent screen. 124. Arrangement according to claim 121, characterized net through a housing to which access is given by the Pinhole occurs and that generally the area between the  Pinhole and the one generating the visible output signal Facility encloses. 125. Arrangement according to claim 121, characterized net by at least one further such electronic camera, the electron cameras are each arranged so that they Can accept electrons from approximately the same area. 126. Arrangement according to claim 125, characterized ge indicates that the electron cameras are so attached are arranged so that they can collect electrons that the Passing an EV through at least one EV oscilloscope calls. 127. Arrangement according to claim 121, characterized net through an EV oscilloscope, the electron camera so is arranged so that it receives electrons, which by the Passage of an EV can be generated by the EV oscilloscope. 128. To guide EVs generally along a movement suitable arrangement that the transfer and inclusion of electromagnetic generated by the passage of EVs Energy allowed. 129. Arrangement according to claim 128, characterized ge indicates that it is a traveling wave circuit acts.   130. Arrangement according to claim 129, characterized by

• (a) a generally tubular dielectric member through which EVs can move, and
• (b) a conductive coil that generally surrounds the tubular member along the path that the EVs can traverse so that during their traversal the EVs run at least partially along the longitudinal axis of the coil.

131. Arrangement according to claim 130, characterized net through along at least part of the coil orderly ground plane. 132. Arrangement according to claim 130, characterized net by an EV generator with one cathode and one second electrode, generally with the tubular element are arranged so that generally from the cathode EVs moving to the second electrode inside the tube through the shaped element. 133. Arrangement according to claim 129, characterized in that the traveling wave circuit

• (a) a dielectric body with a first surface,
• (b) an EV guide channel on the first surface and
• (C) has a meandering or serpentine Lei terbahn, which is arranged along the dielectric body and the channel so that EV passing through the channel generally be along the length of the conductor because of.

134. Arrangement according to claim 128, characterized by

• (a) a dielectric body with a channel along a first surface for receiving EVs and limiting their movement,
• (b) a first electrode disposed along a second side of the dielectric body and including one or more openings disposed along the channel, and
• (c) a second electrode generally along but spaced from the second electrode and having receptacle disposed at the openings to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted through the openings as EVs pass along the channel.

135. Arrangement according to claim 128, characterized ge indicates that the electromagnetic radiation has a frequency in the HF range. 136. Arrangement for generating electrical pulses by the Creation of EVs.   137. Arrangement according to claim 136, characterized by

• (a) a cathode for generating EVs and a second electrode generally aligned with and spaced from the cathode,
• (b) a dielectric element on which the second electrode is mounted and which is arranged facing the cathode, and
• (c) an output electrode which is arranged on the dielectric element on the side thereof facing away from the second electrode, so that electrical impulses are produced when EVs strike the second electrode at the output electrode.

138. Arrangement according to claim 137, characterized net through a conductive shield covering the cathode and generally encloses the second electrode. 139. Arrangement according to claim 137, characterized by a separator with

• (a) a generally tubular dielectric body which at least partially surrounds the cathode and forms a generally aligned opening between the cathode and the second electrode through which EVs generated on the cathode can exit, and
• (b) a third electrode which is arranged on the outer surface of the generally tubular body and is used for EV generation, wherein EVs can be selectively secreted with a potential placed between the cathode and the second electrode for further movement to the second electrode.

140. Arrangement according to claim 137, characterized net by an electrically coupled with the output electrode pelten field emission emitter for receiving the electrical Impulses for the generation of EVs. 141. Arrangement according to claim 136, characterized net by a field emission emitter, which is used to record the electrical pulses for the purpose of generating EVs is arranged. 142. Arrangement for generating EVs, characterized by

• (a) a conductive cathode,
• (b) a second conductive electrode spaced from the cathode and
• (c) a third electrode operating as a control electrode, which is generally arranged between the cathode and the second electrode and serves to apply an electrical potential between the third electrode and the cathode in order to control the EV generation.

143. Arrangement according to claim 142, characterized net by a fourth working as a feedback electrode Electrode that is generally close to the second electrode  is ordered to provide feedback effects from the passage of EVs to take advantage of. 144. Arrangement according to claim 143, characterized net through a dielectric base body with means for Guide EVs along the same, the cathode being general on a surface of the base body and the second, third and fourth electrode generally on an opposite Surface of the same are arranged. 145. Arrangement according to claim 143, characterized ge indicates that the EVs in general through pure field emissions are generated. 146. Arrangement according to claim 142, characterized net through a dielectric base body with means for Guide EVs generally along the same, using a cathode generally on one surface of the body and the second as well as the third electrode generally on an opposite th surface of the same are arranged.