An electrostatic vidicon with high resolution

Modern space technology with its emphasis on weight reduction has enhanced the interest in a high quality vidicon with fully electrostatic electron optics. Previous experience seemed to indicate that the electrostatic vidicon is more limited than its electro-magnetic counterpart in three main aspects including: 1. Picture resolution, 2. Background uniformity, and 3. Signal output capability. A development just completed in the Cathode Ray Tube Department of the General Electric Company proves that all three handicaps may be overcome by design. An electrostatic vidicon has been developed which yields 800 line TV resolution on a uniform background, it needs only 35 volts transistorized sweep per plate and does not require a well regulated power supply. Beam current and signal output are comparable to standard vidicons over a wide range of illumination.