Research and Development to Improve the Resolution of Iatron Direct View Storage Tubes

Abstract

Three general approaches were pursued during this quarter year. They were: a. Electron-optical bench b. All-magnetic Iatron c. Magnetic microlens Electron optical bench work was concluded with positive results. It indicates that resolution improvement can be obtained by the addition of a focus electrode in registry with, and on the phosphor side of the backer electrode. Information on the brightness obtainable in such a tube will be available only when mesh fabrication technology is achieved for the inclusion of such a mesh in an operating latron. SThe prototype all-magnetic Iatron has demonstrated resolution well in excess of the contract objectives. Brightness of display in this tube was severely reduced by lack of a properly designed flood gun. Nothing inherent in the magnetically fbcused tube prohibits high brightness, given a properly designed flood gun. Consideration of the magnetic microlens option for resolution improvement has introduced technical and theoretical difficulties which, in the limited time left in this study, are serious enough to justify a suspension of that effort.