A Low-Voltage High Speed Cathode-Ray Oscillograph

This thesis is a description of the development of a compact, continuously pumped, metal cathode-ray oscillograph. The design incorporates several features which it is hoped will prove to be a useful contribution to the subject. In particular, the design and operation of a discharge tube which is both simple and reliable is discussed. The tube operates at about 10,000 volts and the beam is sufficiently intense to permit a recording speed in excess of 108 centimeters per second. The principle of "pre-concentration", as suggested by Rogowski, has been utilized and seems to offer some advantage in increasing the efficiency of the discharge tube; in addition, it permits ready visual observation of the cathode surface by adjusting the two magnetic focusing coils to act as an electron microscope. Roll film mounted in the evacuated space is used to record phenomena by a means which seems to overcome some of the inherent difficulties of this method. Two circuits used in conjunction with this tube, one of which having some advantage over the more common types, are briefly discussed. The performance of the apparatus is illustrated by several records