Accelerator

The Accelerator is the source of electrons for the processing system.  Heating a tungsten filament to white-hot temperatures produces a cloud of electrons.  Electrons are extracted from this cloud by a highly polished cup called the extraction electrode.  This cup is energized to a voltage that is positive in relation to the negative electrons, thus causing the attraction of the electrons.  The now free electrons are accelerated down the tube by a series of electrodes each having a more positive voltage potential than the previous electrode.  The final energy of the electrons is determined by the total voltage potential of the entire accelerator tube.