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Gilmour, A. S., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Gilmour, A. S., Jr..

Bakeable UHV gate valve for microwave tube experimentation

The performance characteristics and design of an ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) gate valve intended for experiments on high-power microwave tubes are described. Tests run on the valve indicate open/close cycles can run into the hundreds or thousands without trouble. The valve was baked at 450 C or higher for at least 4 h. Applications of the valve include evaluation of NASA-design multistage depressed collectors for high-power PPM focused helix-type traveling-wave tubes.

Gilmour, A. S., Jr.

Pulsed metallic-plasma generators.

A pulsed metallic-plasma generator is described which utilizes a vacuum arc as the plasma source. The arc is initiated on the surface of a consumable cathode which can be any electrically conductive material. Ignition is accomplished by using a current pulse to vaporize a portion of a conductive film on the surface of an insulator separating the cathode from the ignition electrode. The film is regenerated during the ensuing arc. Over 100 million ignition cycles have been accomplished by using four 0.125-in. diameter zinc cathodes operating in parallel and high-density aluminum-oxide insulators. Among the applications being investigated for the generator are metal deposition, vacuum pumping, electric propulsion, and high-power dc arc interruption.

Gilmour, A. S., Jr.

Pulsed-laser thrustor research.

Electron and ion emission from pulsed ruby laser illuminated metallic surface into vacuum, determining application to pulsed ion thrustor

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