High voltage operation of field emission array cathodes

The goals of the test are as follows: demonstrate that emission current densities in excess of 100 A/cm/sup 2/ can be achieved from FEA cathodes in a typical vacuum electron devices; demonstrate that duty factors of interest can be achieved without damage or degradation to the FEA. The near term goal will be to demonstrate CW operation of an FEA cathode at a current emission density in excess of 20 A/cm/sup 2/. The ultimate goal will be to demonstrate CW operation at the 100 A/cm/sup 2/ for CCR's W-Band TWT development. This presentation will describe the design of the test vehicle and test setup. The presentation will primarily focus on the test results and their implications for incorporation of FEAs in typical vacuum electron devices.