PROPOSAL FOR A NEW UV-LIGHT GENERATING DEVICE BASED ON COLD ELECTRON-EMISSION

A new device intended for UV-light generation and based on cold electr on emission is proposed and analyzed theoretically. The device operati on is based on the excitation by the field emitted electrons of the su rrounding nitrogen (N-2) molecules, which in turn emit UV Light. The d evice should operate at low pressures compatible with field emission. The proposed device involves electrons moving in crossed electric E an d magnetic B fields. Equations for the electron time evolution (both r adial and angular position) are obtained. When moving inside the devic e, the electron has a periodical cycloid-like trajectory which is alwa ys confined between two coaxial cylinders. The inner cylinder has the same radius and position with the circular array of emitters used for electron generation. The position of the outer cylinder (and so the wi dth of the confinement zone) is controlled by E and B. The described a nalytical-numerical approach is used to analyze the device operation a s function of model parameters. (C) 1998 American Vacuum Society. [S07 34-2101 (98)02905-4].