It is now feasible to build a thermionic emitter (electron gun) with 25 to 50 times greater precision of electrode form and position than has been conventionally achievable. This will be done by using a design concept that allows, for the first time, high precision control of electrode form and position, what this might do to improve beam quality is presently unknown. It is possible, however, through beam analysis and functional application to determine that some degree of beam quality improvement has been achieved. We propose to use modern materials and state-of-the-art precision technology to control a schedule of electrostatic field patterns in test guns. Data from these test guns will be used to define the presently undefined portion of the curve of electrode precision vs. beam quality. It is important for design purposes to know the break of the precision vs. performance curve; that is, where improving electrode form and position precision does not significantly improve beam quality. The result will allow specifying a manufacturing process for a given beam quality. Today's practice is best effort based on technician skill.The potential applications as described by the company: Beam quality of electron guns is important in basic research tools, such as the free electron laser. Electron guns are the limiting element in some microwave devices and weapon systems, and in several commercial products such as camera tubes, display tubes, and electron microscopes. The proposed design concept for a precision electron gun promises improved beam quality, but the optimum fabrication process to exploit the concept is unknown. The proposed work is expected to help define the optimum fabrication process for a specified beam quality.
