Thin faceplate image intensifier tube having an improved vacuum housing
US6040657A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2231/5016
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved image intensifier tube has electrically operative components that include a photocathode having a photoemissive layer, a microchannel plate (MCP) having a conductive input surface and a conductive output surface, and a vacuum housing for retaining the photocathode, microchannel plate and a fiber optic inverter and screen within an evacuated environment. The fiber optic inverter has a circumferentially extending flange portion extending toward the housing to accommodate a sealing material which sealingly engages an inner surface of an output flange with the inverter flange portion to form an air impervious vacuum seal and where the output flange is supported by the fiber optic inverter flange portion. The improved intensifier includes a photocathode having a flat faceplate conductively engaging the photocathode along the entire surface of the faceplate. The photocathode is operable so as to directly engage a conductive support ring for providing electrical contact to the photocathode external to the vacuum housing. The improved intensifier further includes a support assembly disposed in the housing for supporting the microchannel plate. The assembly includes a ceramic ri…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.