Patent ID: 8922107

Claim:
A diamond amplified cathode capsule for generating an electron beam of secondary electrons, the capsule comprising: a cathode element having a primary emission surface adapted to emit primary electrons; an annular insulating spacer; a diamond window element comprising a diamond material and having a secondary emission surface adapted to emit secondary electrons in response to primary electrons impinging on the diamond window element; a first cold-weld ring disposed between said cathode element and said annular insulating spacer; and a second cold-weld ring disposed between said annular insulating spacer and said diamond window element, wherein said cathode capsule is formed by a vacuum cold-weld process such that said first cold-weld ring forms a hermetical seal between said cathode element and said annular insulating spacer and said second cold-weld ring forms a hermetical seal between said annular spacer and said diamond window element whereby a vacuum encapsulated chamber is formed within said capsule.