Fabrication and testing of sintered wires reservoir cathodes at Semicon Associates

Recent years brought a new challenge to the microwave industry for which traditional dispenser cathodes could not provide an answer. Extremely small dimensions and tight tolerances along with high power and frequency requirements prompted scientists and engineers to search for a new approach in cathode technology. In their work [1]-[2], Ives at al. introduced a novel technology that immediately drew attention of the industry. Controlled porosity reservoir cathodes from sintered tungsten wires offered a solution to many unsolved issues in cathode technology which initial testing performed at Calabazas Creek Research confirmed. After obtaining the legal rights to this technology, Semicon Associates manufactured and tested several different cathode assemblies in order to validate design and manufacturing processes. Results will be presented.