resnatron cathode aseembly with tuning drive
Date: 1943-1944
Inventory Number: RS0081
Classification: Resnatron
Dimensions:73 x 15 x 15 cm (28 3/4 x 5 7/8 x 5 7/8 in.)
DescriptionAn extremely large vacuum tube cathode, more than two feet long.
The entire assembly consists of several components arranged on an axis. Half if it would be housed inside the resnatron, constituting the innermost component of the vacuum tube. Another half would be outside.
The most visible element is a metal casing with a circular plate on one end, with eight threaded holes for attaching it to the resnatron tube. This casing would be housed inside the resnatron. Inside this casing is a second layer that contains the actual cathode components, and further in is an axle which can be moved in and out to change the geometry of the components inside the resnatron. This axle is in a cavity that would be filled with circulating water.
Just at the end of the outer casing are the actual cathode filaments, a cage-like element. Further beyond are bellows which extend and contract as the inner axle is moved (and would be filled with water). The assembly ends in a metal disk.
The section which goes outside the resnatron starts with another circular plate with eight threaded holes. It continues in two metal sections separated by a glass bulb. These have the electrical leads to the cathode, and also have pipes for the cooling systems. At the end is the cathode tuning drive, which moves the inner axle in and out. (To see the interior of this component, see RS0080).