Abstract:
Electrode structure for controlling flow of electrons from a cathode to an anode, characterized by the absence of electrodes in the flow path whereby electron flow is substantially unimpeded by physical structure and proceeds with high transmission efficiency. The structure is such as to establish an electron accelerating field and associated flow path between cathode and anode which bulges outwardly about an interposed control electrode and is thus not physically intercepted by same. By virtue of the high efficiency of electron transmission, the electrode structure may be advantageously incorporated in an Xray tube to provide X-ray pulses of increased intensity. In addition, the transmission characteristic in conjunction with the capability of the bulging field to enable the use of relatively small control voltages to govern electron flow render the electrode structure particularly well suited to the attainment of a high amplification factor in a high power amplifier tube for voltage regulation or switching applications.