Abstract:
A television-type display which utilizes a special scanning mode in combination with a picture tube including a channel-type electron multiplier and a continuous primary electron source for all the holes therethrough. The electron multiplier has channels or holes across which two sets of insulated conductive strips extend. One set is perpendicular to the other. One strip of each pair is supplied with a voltage to allow only one hole at a time in the electron multiplier to emit electrons. Scan is thereby effected. Intensity may be controlled by applying a suitable voltage between perforate conductive layers bonded to opposite sides of the electron multiplier or the strips themselves. A semiconductive coating may be used on the internal surfaces of the holes of the electron multiplier to provide for large current pulses while maintaining a high gain. A unique double layer conductive electrode arrangement is provided at one end of the channels of said multiplier.
Abstract:
The invention includes a channel-type electron multiplier incorporating a glass plate having holes therethrough. The plate is treated so that the holes will support secondary emission. When primary electrons from a photocathode enter the holes, an increased current density is produced at the output of the holes. When the output is directed onto a phosphor screen, an intensified image of the scene being viewed is produced. Night scenes may thus be brightened for use in military reconnaissance or the like. However, channel-type electron multipliers have what is known as a saturation level of operation beyond which an increase in input current produces little or no increase in output current. The device of the present invention alleviates this problem by increasing electrical resistance near the output. This construction makes it possible to produce a special electric field distribution in the holes. This field distribution then causes the gain of the multiplier to saturate at substantially higher input current levels. In addition, a multiplier of this type will exhibit a nonlinear input versus output relationship such that, if incorporated in an image tube (direct view or TV pickup), it imparts to this tube highly desirable contrast enhancing characteristics. The invention also includes a method of making the special type of electron multiplier having the hole surface resistivity variation.