Inventors:
Robert A. Simms - Phoenix AZ
Charley B. Burgett - Santa Barbara CA
Assignee:
Murasa International - Long Beach CA
International Classification:
H01J 516
Abstract:
A microscopic voltage controlled field emission electron amplifier device consists of a dense array of field emission cathodes with individual cathode impedances employed to modulate and control the field emission currents of the device. These impedances are selected to be sensitive to an external stimulus such as light, x-rays, infrared radiation or particle bombardment; so that the field emission current varies spacially in proportion to the intensity of the controlling stimulus. When a phosphorus screen or other suitable responsive element is provided, the device functions as a solid state image convertor or intensifier.