Cathodoluminescent Source of Intense White Light

The device shown in the figure exploits cathodoluminescence to generate intense light in the visible and near-infrared regions of the spectrum. This device is suitable for use as a source of white light for general illumination or microscopy or as a broad-band light source for spectroscopy. Unlike incandescent lamps, which typically contain hot filaments, or high-pressure gas electric-discharge lamps, this device would operate without exposing any of its components to high temperatures. Consequently, the lifetime of this device is expected to be considerably longer than the lifetimes of the aforementioned other light sources.