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electron beam
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Cutaway diagram of a gyrotron showing labeled components including the electron gun, resonant cavity, magnetic field coils, vessel, and beam collector, with arrows indicating electron and microwave beam paths. Diagram of a traveling-wave tube showing labeled components including the electron-emitting cathode, electron gun, focus electrode, anode, electron beam, RF input and output, helix, magnetic field, and multistage depressed collector.
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Italian-born physicist Dr. Enrico Fermi draws a diagram at a blackboard with mathematical equations. circa 1950.
Physics and Natural Law
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Key People:
Walter M. Elsasser
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lepton
beam voltage
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electron beam

physics
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electron beam, stream of electrons (as from a betatron) generated by heat (thermionic emission), bombardment of charged atoms or particles (secondary electron emission), or strong electric fields (field emission). Electrons may be collimated by holes and slits, and, because they are electrically charged, they may be deflected, focused, and energized by electric and magnetic fields. Electron beams are used chiefly in research, technology, and medical therapy to produce X rays and images on television screens, oscilloscopes, and electron microscopes.