The adaptation of the chromatron tube for military and industrial applications

A series of special cathode-ray tubes have been developed, ranging in size from ten to twenty-two inches and capable of two or three-color and long or short persistence presentation. Utilizing a single electron gun and post deflection focusing (PDF) and acceleration, together with a highly transmissive grid, they have no convergence or misregistration problems. Existing radar type circuitry is readily adaptable to these types of display which also offer greatly increased versatility for new designs. Mechanical design considerations discussed include the vacuum envelope, grid wires and their supporting member, together with a wire damping means, and phosphor deposition schemes for both sandwich and phosphor-on-face designs. In addition, the technique is described of utilizing the electron beam to generate the printing master from which accurate and interchangeable phosphor printing can be accomplished. A discussion of the operational characteristics includes typical voltages for operation, colors and persistencies of phosphors available, electron gun possibilities, and special multi-grid developments. A variety of possible applications are described, utilizing both the multi-color and the multi-persistence capabilities of the tube and several actual applications are covered in some detail. Finally, the trend of current research and possibilities in future designs are discussed.