Quote:
Originally Posted by old_tv_nut
Of course, the power supply can supply all the electrons that the cathode will emit, but how many it emits is determined by the cathode chemistry and temperature. If this were not true, cathodes would never wear out. But, they do wear out.
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This is the crux of the disagreement:
According to Compton (page 29):
Quote:
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From the very start of its emissive life, the cathode is depleting the available electrons. The drive of the video amplifier does not contribute to the electron flow; it is merely a voltage potential that causes electrons to flow at a specific rate. Barium is the source of electrons in both oxide and dispenser cathodes. The process of giving up electrons leaves behind atoms that are now short of valence electrons. This in turn causes cathode material to migrate to the G1 area and deposit itself."
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