Field emission diode serving as heavy current switch - has cathode emitting surfaces formed by edges of thin conducting layers on insulating support

摘要

The diode has a vacuum housing (6), anode elements (18), connection parts (18b) for the anode, and cathode elements (25). Emitting parts emit electrons from emitting surfaces (20) formed by the edges of thin layers (21) consisting of a third conducting material. The emitting surfaces are attached to insulating components (27) made of a dielectric of given thickness (E2) fixed to retaining elements (26). The thin layers (21) are in electrical contact with the retaining elements. The emitting surfaces are precisely parallel to the anode surfaces (18a). The insulating components have parallel surfaces and are parallel to one another. The emitting surfaces are the same distance (D) from the anode surfaces. USE/ADVANTAGE - Acceleration of missiles along rails through e.m. force requiring circuit with resistance contact of practically zero carrying heavy current of more than 100 kA but with potential difference between electrodes of only several hundred volts.