Applications of cold-cathode parallel-field devices

Investigations have been undertaken at the University of California over the past several years to extend the application of a cold-cathode parallel-field device to the fields of rectification, amplification, oscillation, and electron emission. The characteristics of the device as functions of voltage and magnetic field in the pressure range near 10^-3mm of Hg have been studied. Operation of the device as a short-circuit-stable variety of negative resistance is possible, and a simple theory is given to explain the negative-resistance phenomenon. Results indicate that rectifiers capable of withstanding inverse voltages of at least 30 kv and currents of 10 ma with a forward drop of 300 v are possible. A peak electron emission of 7.2 ma/w indicates that the device might serve as an electron source in long-pulse applications.