GB590594A - Electric discharge apparatus particularly for the generation of high potentials - Google Patents

Abstract

590,594. High - frequency discharge apparatus; detectors. WESTERN ELECTRIC CO., Inc. Feb. 18, 1944, No. 3107. Convention date, Feb. 5, 1941. [Classes 39 (i) and 40 (v)] A high potential generator comprises a number of electrodes 14 ... 17, Fig. 1, through which a beam of electrons passes to a collector electrode 12. The electrodes are interconnected by biassing resistances 20 and are energized alternately in phase opposition through condensers 21 from a high-frequency oscillator 23. When the device is in operation, the D.C. potential difference between successive electrodes is equal to the amplitude of the high frequency oscillation and the time of flight of an electron through an electrode is equal to one half-cycle. As a result, an electron leaving the accelerating grid 13 when the potential of electrode 14 is a minimum, passes into electrode 14 without acceleration. This process, which is illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 2. is repeated between successive electrodes until finally the electron arrives at collector 12, the most negative electrode, without any substantial variation of velocity. The flow of the collected electrons through the resistances 20 biasses the electrodes automatically to the correct potentials. The potential of electrode 12 follows the variations in amplitude of the highfrequency supply so that, by modulating this supply with a signal, the device may be used as a detector. By providing an aperture in collector 12 and putting an earthed X-ray target behind, part of the electrons may be used to generate X-rays, being accelerated directly by the high potential generated. In a modification, the electrodes may be supported by discs 25, Fig. 3, extending outside the envelope, and forming with flanges 26 a series of cavity resonators which are so coupled by loops or apertures (not shown) that they oscillate in anti-phase. A small amount of gas may be introduced into the discharge device. Heavy ions may be used instead of electrons.