Directly heated dispenser cathode and method of manufacture therefor

摘要

A pellet-type dispenser cathode has an integral filament (18) for directly heating electron-emitting material and employs conductive legs (20) which serve a dual function of supplying heater current and structurally supporting the pellet. The shape of the legs (20) may be selected to provide heater power at a variety of voltages depending upon the electrical resistance of the legs (20). A photo-etching process may be used to fabricate the filament (18).