Cathodes
Over the last 60+ years, Spectra-Mat’s technology for dispenser cathodes contributed to the latest advancements of the modern microwave, linear accelerators and x-rays tubes industry. Spectra-Mat duly controls all production processes from tungsten powder sieving till temperature test of the dispenser cathodes. Our Engineering Department supports the developments of new cathodes structures and shapes together with the possible addition to other components to dispenser cathodes inside the gun while our quality assurance procedures guarantee the full traceability of all the components.
- Sizes: diameter from 0.010″ (0.25 mm) to over 10.00″ (254 mm)
- Tungsten densities: from 50% to 84%
- Standard impregnants: 532, 411, 311, 612, and may be combined with M-coating.
Other impregnants may be made as a special order - Scandate Mixes: 532X, 411X, 311X, 612X
- Machined Tolerance: +0.0002″ (+0.005 mm)
- Proven current density in CW mode: up to 20 A/cm2
- Proven current density in pulsed mode: up to 120 A/cm2
- Proven operating lifetime: over 150000 hours
- Hollow cathodes, assembled guns and UHV potted heaters
Cathodes for Traveling Wave Tubes
Spectra-Mat’s cathodes are precision made to reflect the exacting tolerances necessary for a TWT and amplifier. With Pierce gun (spherical radius) machined after all braze operations, the tight positional and axial demands for high power TWTs are consistently met.
Cathodes for Gyrotrons
Spectra-Mat leads manufacturers in exactness and design when it comes to the annular thermionic emitters necessary for a typical Magnetron Injection Gun to generate the hollow, helical electron beam necessary for gyrotrons. We have manufactured in diameters from a 10 mm to 100+ mm in diameter, with potted heaters and shielding.
Cathodes for Klystrons
Spectra-Mat is well known for our long-lived klystron cathodes, used in accelerators worldwide. Under excellent environmental conditions our scandia impregnated parts have demonstrated lives approaching 20 years, making the cathode a robust part within the klystron.
Hollow Cathodes for Ion Thrusters
In the new space age, with multiple LEO constellations and continued GEO attitude control, SMI has risen to the occasion, supplying hollow cathodes for multiple thruster application.
X-rays and Terahertz applications
Our smaller tipped cathodes are in use in terahertz applications for high frequency communications and in microfocus x-rays tubes across the globe. With the robustness of a potted heater and attached focus electrode, Spectra-Mat cathode are in electronic inspection, metallurgical and medical devices everywhere.
Flashlamps and igniters
Spectra-Mat continues to lead the marketplace in dispenser cathodes for flashlamps and igniters. Our heritage goes back decades.
We will work with electron gun designers and engineers to make the cathode specific to your exacting demands. Other applications include:
- Neutron generation
- E-beam sterilization
- and any other microwave device requiring high current density
We make the largest production cathode for an x-ray device, Ø165 mm with pulsed emission of 2000
A.
Let us help you in your application!