Patent ID: 9251987
Filing Date: 2016-02-02
CPC Classification: H01J

Claim Text:
1. An electron emitter comprising: a surface comprising a round emission area which is a circle capable of emitting electrons when heated, wherein the round emission area comprises slots that separate segments from one another and define a radial electrical path; and at least one of a gap, a channel, or a combination thereof that separates a first portion of the round emission area from a second portion of the round emission area and permits thermal expansion of the first portion and the second portion within the at least one gap or channel without permitting the first portion and the second portion to touch one another wherein the radial electrical path begins at an outer diameter of the circle at the first portion and follows a pathway through the first portion to the center of the circle before entering the second portion, further comprising at least a second gap or channel orthogonal to the at least one gap or channel and divides the first portion and the second portion into equal portions that form at least four quadrants; two electrically conductive legs coupled to the surface at respective locations outside the round emission area and that are capable of supplying current to the round emission area; and at least one leg not electrically conductive and couple to the electron emitter to provide structural support and hold the electron emitter in-plane within at least two planes.