Title
Field Emitter Array Driver and Measurement System for Use in a “Smart” Crossed-Field Amplifier
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
4-12-2010
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Jim Browning
Abstract
Field Emitters are devices that emit electrons for use in vacuum. These Field Emission structures may be constructed in parallel and addressed as arrays by row or column. We are developing a control system to drive these emitters in separate groups and measure the output currents of each group to improve the performance of a Crossed Field Amplifier. This new “Smart” CFA utilizes the Field Emission Array at a floating potential of -3kV. The driver and measurement signals must be sent through the LabView data acquisition system at ground potential, so the circuitry must be isolated. The results from the design, prototyping and implementation of the driver and measurement system will be presented