Electron-beam processing

Article summary

Electron-beam processing or electron irradiation is a process that involves using electrons, usually of high energy, to treat an object for a variety of purposes. This may take place under elevated temperatures and nitrogen atmosphere. Possible uses for electron irradiation include sterilization, alteration of gemstone colors, and cross-linking of polymers. Electron energies typically vary from the keV to MeV range, depending on the depth of penetration required. The irradiation dose is usually measured in grays but also in Mrads ( is equivalent to ). The basic components of a typical electron-beam processing device include: an electron gun (consisting of a cathode, grid, and anode), used to generate and accelerate the primary beam; and, a magnetic optical (focusing and deflection) system, used for controlling the way in which the electron beam impinges on the material being processed (the "workpiece"). In operation, the gun's hot cathode emits electrons that are both accelerated and shaped into a collimated beam by the electrostatic field geometry established by the gun's electrode configuration (grid and anode). The electron beam then emerges from the gun assembly through an exit hole in the ground-plane anode with an energy equal to the value of the negative high voltage (gun operating voltage) being applied to the cathode.…

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