Patent ID: 6064156
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
+-.100 Volts and a leading-edge rate-of-rise greater than 150 Volts DC, an ignition pulse duration of less than 20 microseconds, a frequency of 10 Hz, a pulse ignitor active on power up of the anode power supply to establish an anode current of 0.5 Amperes, and a charging stage of the ignition pulse generator disabled until the circuit current is extinguished; said ignition pulse generator automatically engaging upon involuntary discharge extinction; anode power supply stage requirements including nominal characteristics of +40 Volts DC at 3.0 Amperes DC current; and 3) a heater having power supply requirements including the heater power supply shall be energized until the anode current exceeds 2.5 Amperes DC, comprising the steps of:a) confirming that the HCA has not been exposed to air at pressures >1.3.times.10.sup.-2 Pa (1.times.10.sup.-4 torr) at any time subsequent to the most recent conditioning sequence or, if this cannot be confirmed, performing a conditioning while maintaining a facility pressure of less than 6.7.times.10.sup.-4 Pa. consisting of the following steps:a1) Installing the HCA in a vacuum of less than 6.7.times.10.sup.-4 Pa for at least 12 hours;a2) Energizing the heater to 3.85 Amperes having a corresponding critical temperature of 550.degree. C. for a minimum of 3 hours;a