Spiral electron accelerator for ultra-small resonant structures
View Patent ↗An electronic transmitter or receiver employing electromagnetic radiation as a coded signal carrier is described. In the transmitter, the electromagnetic radiation is emitted from ultra-small resonant structures when an electron beam passes proximate the structures. In the receiver, the electron beam passes near ultra-small resonant structures and is altered in path or velocity by the effect of the electromagnetic radiation on structures. The electron beam is accelerated within a series of spiral-shaped anodes to an appropriate current density without the use of a high power supply. Instead, a sequence of low power levels is supplied to the sequence of anodes in the electron beam path. The electron beam is thereby accelerated to a desired current density appropriate for the transmitter or receiver application without the need for a high-level power source.
1. A system, comprising:
a cathode emitting electrons;
a set of anodes arranged together in a substantially spiral-shape, the cathode situated near a center portion of the spiral-shape;
RF conductors arranged opposing each other near peripheral portions of the spiral-shape;
an alternating power source between the RF conductors; and
at least one ultra-small resonant structure downstream of an exit portion of the spiral-shaped set of anodes.
2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the ultra-small resonant structure is a receiver of electromagnetic radiation.
3. A system according to claim 1 wherein the ultra-small resonant structure is a transmitter of electromagnetic radiation.
4. A system according to claim 1 wherein the electrons are emitted to travel through the spiral shape.
5. A system according to claim 4 , wherein the alternating power source provides polarity transitions between the respective RF conductors to accelerate the electrons as they travel through the spiral shape.