High Current Density, Long Life Cathodes for High Power RF Sources
- Calabazas Creek Research,, Inc.
- Calabazas Creek Research, Inc.
- Consultant
- Ron Witherspoon, Inc.
- Semicon Associates
This program was tasked with improving the quality and expanding applications for Controlled Porosity Reservoir (CPR) cathodes. Calabazas Creek Research, Inc. (CCR) initially developed CPR cathodes on a DOE-funded SBIR program to improve cathodes for magnetron injection guns. Subsequent funding was received from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The program developed design requirements for implementation of the technology into high current density cathodes for high frequency applications. During Phase I of this program, CCR was awarded the prestigious 2011 R&D100 award for this technology. Subsequently, the technology was presented at numerous technical conferences. A patent was issued for the technology in 2009. These cathodes are now marketed by Semicon Associates, Inc. in Lexington, KY. They are the world’s largest producer of cathodes for vacuum electron devices. During this program, CCR teamed with Semicon Associates, Inc. and Ron Witherspoon, Inc. to improve the fabrication processes and expand applications for the cathodes. Specific fabrications issues included the quality of the wire winding that provides the basic structure and the sintering to bond the wires into a robust, cohesive structure. The program also developed improved techniques for integrating the resulting material into cathodes for electron guns.
- Research Organization:
- Calabazas Creek Research, Inc.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), High Energy Physics (HEP)
- Contributing Organization:
- Ron Witherspoon, Inc. Semicon Associates, Inc.
- DOE Contract Number:
- SC0004570
- OSTI ID:
- 1115600
- Report Number(s):
- Final Report
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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