An electron beam tube for use in formation and recordation of electrostatic charge patterns has a face plate including a photoconductive layer and a conductive base which is transmissive to electron beams and is disposed intermediate the photoconductive layer and the tube electron beam emitter. Processes for forming electrostatic charge patterns in such face plate include the steps of placing an insulative charge-retaining layer in contact with the photoconductive layer, the insulative layer either being previously charged or being charged while in position on the photoconductive layer, and applying a voltage to the face plate and simultaneously irradiating the photoconductive layer with pattern-indicating electron beams. Electrostatic charge patterns thus-formed in the insulative layer may be developed in place or transferred and subsequently developed.