Patent ID: 6545425
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A communications system for transmitting a signal from one location to another location on a communications link, said system comprising:a source generating the signal and transmitting the signal on the link; a sink receiving the signal on the link transmitted by the source; and at least one free space electron switch positioned within the link between the source and the sink, said free space electron switch receiving the signal on one of a plurality of input channels coupled to the switch, said switch including a cathode array having a plurality of cathodes, one of the cathodes receiving the signal and emitting an electron beam in response thereto, said switch further including an aiming anode and an array of electron beam detectors positioned to receive the electron beam from the cathode, said electron beam traveling from the cathode through free space and said aiming anode directing the electron beam from the cathode to one of the detectors.