Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2005. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains iv, 94 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 93-94).

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Thesis (MSc (Physics))--Stellenbosch University, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis aims to comprehensively discuss ultrafast electron di raction and its role in temporally resolving ultrafast dynamics on the molecular level. Theory on electron pulses and electron pulse propagation will be covered, but the main focus will be on the method, equipment and experimental setup required to generate sub-picosecond electron pulses, which are needed to perform time resolved experiments. The design and construction of an electron gun needed to produce the electron pulses will be shown in detail, while preliminary pulse characterization experiments will also be illustrated. An introduction into the theory of electron diffraction patterns and how to interpret these diffraction patterns will conclude the thesis. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis het ten doel om ultravinnige elektrondi raksie deeglik te bespreek asook die rol wat dit speel om ultravinnige tyd-dinamika op 'n molekulêre vlak op te los. Die teorie van elektonpulse en die voortplanting van elektronpulse sal gedek word, maar die fokus sal op die metode, gereedskap en eksperimentele opstelling wees wat benodig is om sub-pikosekonde elektronpulse te genereer. Die ontwerp en konstruksie van 'n elektrongeweer, wat benodig word om elektronpulse te produseer, sal in detail bespreek word, terwyl aanvanklike pulskarakterisasie eksperimente ook illustreer sal word. 'n Inleiding tot die teorie van elektrondi raksie patrone en hoe om hulle te interpreteer sal die tesis afsluit.

The push towards larger diameter space telescope mirrors has caused the space industry to look at lightweight, deformable alternatives to the traditional monolithic mirror. One possible solution to the dilemma is to use the piezoelectric properties of certain materials to create a lightweight, deformable mirror. Current piezoelectric deformable mirror designs use individual actuators, creating an immensely complex system as the mirrors increase in size. The objective of this thesis is to aid in the design and development of lightweight, deformable mirrors for use in space based telescopes. Two topics are considered to aid this development. A doubly curved, lightweight, bimorph mirror is investigated. The fabrication method entails forming a thin film piezoelectric polymer into a doubly curved shape using a specially designed forming machine. The second topic entails the finite element modeling of a composite mirror substrate with a piezoceramic actuator backing. The model is generated using a meshing program designed to generate off-centered spot loads of electric potential. These spot loads simulate the actuation due to an electron gun. The effects of spot location and size on mirror deformation are examined.

Piezoelectric bimorph thin films may hold solutions for many future applications, such as lightweight deployable mirrors and inflatable struts. Non-contact actuation by an electron gun has shown promise in preventing issues that arise from attaching many wire leads to a thin film surface. This study investigates piezoelectric bimorph thin film response to electron gun actuation when covered with multiple spatial regions of control. Desired parameter ranges are found that will lead to predictable control under certain circumstances. Under such circumstances, film response is influenced almost solely by the primary electrons incident on the film, and secondary electrons have negligible effect. Such information is vital before attempting closed loop control of a thin-film piezoelectric mirror with multiple electrodes.

Construiu-se um acelerador de elétrons de baixa energia (Máximo de 20 KeV). Como fonte de elétrons utilizou-se um canhão de elétrons de cinescópio preto e branco, ou seja, com um único emissor termiônico. A energia do feixe eletrônico pode ser continuamente variada desde 0 a 20 KeV. A corrente eletrônica pode ser variada desde um valor mínimo de 10-12A a 3&#956A, permanecendo constante no tempo uma vez fixado o seu valor. Através da focalização ou desfocalização da imagem do feixe de elétrons, é possível variar-se a área irradiada desde um diâmetro mínimo de 1 milímetro a um máximo de 6 cm. A pressão final atingida nas câmaras de vácuo foi da ordem de 10-7Torr. Durante o funcionamento do canhão de elétrons, o cátodo do mesmo é danificado devido ao bombardeamento de íons em sua superfície. Para examinarmos o grau de danificação causado por este bombardeamento iônico, basta focalizarmos e examinarmos a imagem de feixe eletrônico sobre uma tela luminescente. Deve-se ressaltar que todo o acelerador de elétrons foi construído a partir de materiais e componentes totalmente nacionais. O acelerador de elétrons foi aplicado para estudar efeitos de irradiação de elétrons em Teflon usando-se o método do Split Faraday Cup. Foram medidas correntes transitórias de carga e descarga e determinaram-se o alcance médio dos elétrons e o valor da condutividade induzida pela radiação. / We have constructed a low energy electron accelerator (maximum energy 20 KeV). A black and white kinescope electron gun, with a single thermionic emitter was used as an electron source. The energy of electron beam can be changed continuously from 0 to 20 KeV. The intensity of the current can be changed from a minimum of 10-12A to a maximum of 3&#956A, and can be maintained constant in time after its value has been fixed. The irradiated area can be changed from a diameter of 1 millimeter to a maximum of 6 centimeter, by focalizing or defocalizing the image of electron beam. The final pressure reached in vacuum chambers was 10-7Torr. During operation the surface of cathode of electron gun is damaged by ion bombardment. The degree of damage can be checked if the cathode image is focalized and examined on a luminescent screen. The accelerator was used to study electron irradiation effects in Teflon, employing the method of the Split Faraday Cup. Transient charging and discharging currents were measured. The average range of electrons of the electrons and induced conductivity were determined.

In the past three decades, Nd:YAG has been the dominating high power solid-state laser gain medium. Compared with Nd:YAG, Yb:YAG has lower quantum defects which produces less heat so that it can reduce thermo-optical deformation. In addition, the achieved doping concentration can be 100%, and the absorption FWHM at 941 nm is 18 nm. Based on above listed advantages, Yb:YAG has the potential to replace Nd:YAG. Using Yb:YAG as the laser gain medium in reentrant two-mirror laser cavity, we have succeeded in Yb:YAG ring laser and all the intracavity elements are coated by our electron gun deposition system. The main purpose of my research is to continue the previous result (slope efficiency: 20.1%), and further increasing the slope efficiency of our ring cavity with different round-trip transmittance of couplers. Besides, we measured and analyzed the polarization of the planar and non-planar ring cavities. At present, the highest slope efficiency we achieved is 38.9% with a round-trip transmittance of 16.4%.

This thesis covers the design and development of a modulated Pierce electron gun used in the construction of experimental travelling wave tube (TWT) amplifiers. The gun incorporated an open aperture switching electrode, positioned mid-way between anode and cathode, to pulse the beam. This method of modulation did not have the same adverse effects on electron trajectories as in the case of a conventional mesh grid, but rather the electrode could be used to alter the focus conditions within the gun and subsequently improve certain beam characteristics. Ion focusing effects could also be eliminated with the electrode, allowing dual mode operation of the guns without the complications normally associated with such a practice. The switching electrode was simulated to ascertain its effect on electron trajectories within the gun, using finite element analysis as well as an electron optics design program. A test gun was constructed in a glass envelope in order to investigate the performance of the new design. The glass gun allowed a beam analysis to be performed, as well as thermal measurements to be made. Results from this gun compared favourably with earlier simulations. The results of two metal/ceramic construction TWTs are presented, showing the beneficial effects of the switching electrode on the performance of the tubes as a whole, and the electrode's potential to compensate for constructional anomalies. The joining of metals to ceramic using active brazing techniques is also an important aspect tackled by the thesis, with several innovative ideas being implemented in the construction of the devices. A simple yet reliable electrical feed-through was developed for those guns having a ceramic envelope. Extensive work was also performed on the manufacture of impregnated tungsten cathodes for use in the electron guns. Several test diodes, including a water-cooled demountable test vehicle, were constructed to test the performance of the cathodes. An analysis was performed on the patchy behaviour of some of the initial cathodes to improve the preparation methods used in the laboratory. The emission results obtained from the cathodes are documented, as is the successful incorporation of several of them into the new modulated gun design. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-Univesity of Natal, Durban, 1994.

An experimental, field replaceable travelling wave tube (TWT) with low profile, TEM transitions has been developed with the aim of combining the cost advantages of field replaceable TWTs with the bandwidth advantages of TEM transitions. Field replaceable TWTs are cheaper because their periodic permanent magnet (PPM) stacks (which are expensive) are easier to produce and can be reused. Standard TEM transitions have a high profile and prevent TWTs from being plugged into PPM stacks. The stacks of packaged TWTs are therefore built onto the tubes, using split ring magnets, before the tubes are potted. Upon failure, such tubes are discarded together with their focusing, coupling and cooling structures. Two types of low profile, TEM transitions were investigated: a ring and a plug transition. In the former, the helix was joined to a metal ring that was sandwiched between two ceramic rings in the vacuum envelope. Due to its high shunt capacitance, this transition was narrowband. In the plug transition, the helix was joined to a small metal plug in the wall of a ceramic tube. Plug transitions with a return loss of better than 10 dB over an octave were made but some technological difficulties were encountered. Metal/ceramic joining with active solder is therefore discussed. The development of graphite attenuators was attempted but graphite of high enough resistivity to achieve the attenuation and matching required was not available. Thin film attenuators were therefore used instead. Some good attenuators were made but the molybdenum films were sensitive to processing conditions. An empirical procedure was developed to magnetize PPM stacks to a wanted profile. The stacks that were designed and built resulted in good beam focusing. TWT tests were made using an automated test station that was built. Maximum RF gains and output powers of 20 dB and 43 dBm respectively were measured. The TWT design, construction and testing was a combination of materials science and microwave work. Some simulations were used to solve electromagnetic problems but much of the work was practical, involving trial and error and many measurements. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1994