Twenty-one inch direct-view storage tube

Applications for storage tubes have increased in recent years with the development of the 5-inch direct-view storage tube. This paper discusses the development of a 21-inch storage tube. The tube utilizes a metal envelope with curved faceplate and a usable viewing diameter of about 18 inches. Externally, the tube is similar to an ordinary television picture tube. Internally, a high-velocity electron gun, a low-velocity flood gun, and storage target permit writing and storing information to be viewed after the original signals are gone. The storage target assembly is curved to match the faceplate curvature, thus avoiding a separate viewing screen inside the tube. Photoetched Cu-Ni meshes are used in the storage assembly. The mechanical and electrical problems encountered in the development are discussed and performance figures are given.