Theory s performance of pyroelectric vidicon with an electronically generated pedestal current for the cathode potential stabilized mode

In this paper we will introduce a new method of obtaining the pedestal current in a pyroelectric vidicon by electronic means. This is done by pulsing the cathode during the horizontal flyback period to a potential, such that, the beam emitted during that time will strike the target with an energy which is above the first crossover for TGS. By controlling the pulse time or pulse current, any value of positive charge and hence any pedestal current can be achieved in a high-vacuum tube. It will also be shown that pedestal current generated this way is less noisy than that generated by ions. A theoretical and experimental comparison between the performance of tubes using electronically generated and gas generated pedestal currents is given. The performance of an anode potential stabilized tube is discussed.