Development of a low cost electron gun
Department
Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science
Major
Nuclear Engineering
Research Advisor
Graham, Joseph
Advisor's Department
Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to design and optimize a rudimentary electron gun at a scale and cost that would be easily achievable in a home lab. For the electron gun to function properly, a high vacuum chamber was constructed from surplus components. A number of parts were custom machined including vacuum parts, power electronics, vacuum gauges and the cooling system. The gun consists of a thermionic cathode held at a high negative potential relative to a grounded anode. The system was characterized using a phosphor screen, a floating collector plate, and current-voltage measurements.
Biography
Michael is a sophomore in Nuclear Engineering. He is an active member of the Nuclear Science Design Team and is training to become a reactor operator. This project is a continuation of a related project started for high school science fair. He hopes to use the experience gained in this research in future related endeavors.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Engineering oral presentation, Third place
Location
Upper Atrium/Hall
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2017, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Development of a low cost electron gun
Upper Atrium/Hall
The purpose of this project is to design and optimize a rudimentary electron gun at a scale and cost that would be easily achievable in a home lab. For the electron gun to function properly, a high vacuum chamber was constructed from surplus components. A number of parts were custom machined including vacuum parts, power electronics, vacuum gauges and the cooling system. The gun consists of a thermionic cathode held at a high negative potential relative to a grounded anode. The system was characterized using a phosphor screen, a floating collector plate, and current-voltage measurements.
