The present invention addresses the problem of providing an electron beam generator and an electron beam applicator for which maintenance is facilitated. The electron beam generator comprises a vacuum chamber, a photocathode holder, an activation vessel, and an internal motive power transmission member. The photocathode holder is capable of moving relative to the activation vessel.

A method includes attaching a first portion of a preformed metal micro-wire to a multilayer structure. The preformed metal micro-wire has a diameter of 10 microns or less. The method also includes attaching a second portion of the preformed metal micro-wire to the multilayer structure.

An integrated circuit package includes a first conductive element that is fabricated as part of the integrated circuit package and a micro-wire having a first end coupled to the first conductive element. The micro-wire has been fabricated ex-situ and is of a metal having a diameter of 10 microns or less.

The present invention addresses the problem of providing an electron beam generator and an electron beam applicator for which maintenance is facilitated. The electron beam generator comprises a vacuum chamber, a photocathode holder, an activation vessel, and an internal motive power transmission member. The photocathode holder is capable of moving relative to the activation vessel.

A method includes attaching a first portion of a preformed metal micro-wire to a multilayer structure. The preformed metal micro-wire has a diameter of 10 microns or less. The method also includes attaching a second portion of the preformed metal micro-wire to the multilayer structure.

A welding head for a welding apparatus, the head comprising an outer face attachable to a welding device such as an electron beam gun or laser, an inner face sealable to a workpiece, and an outer sealing ring and an inner sealing ring situated within the inner face and disposed on either side of an evacuatable region, wherein the inner face has a teardrop-shaped profile. Outer and inner sealing rings can be inflatable or formed from different materials, the outer sealing ring being formed from a material with a Shore hardness of between 50 to 70 and the inner sealing ring being formed from a material with a Shore hardness of 20 to 40. A bridging seal can extend from within the inner sealing ring to the outer sealing ring.

A welding head for a welding apparatus, the head comprising an outer face attachable to a welding device such as an electron beam gun or laser, an inner face sealable to a workpiece, and an outer sealing ring and an inner sealing ring situated within the inner face and disposed on either side of an evacuatable region, wherein the inner face has a teardrop-shaped profile. Outer and inner sealing rings can be inflatable or formed from different materials, the outer sealing ring being formed from a material with a Shore hardness of between 50 to 70 and the inner sealing ring being formed from a material with a Shore hardness of 20 to 40. A bridging seal can extend from within the inner sealing ring to the outer sealing ring.

In an embodiment, a system is provided that includes an electron gun, a focusing system, and a housing. The electron gun can include a cold cathode electron source and an extraction electrode. The focusing system can be configured to focus a beam of electrons extracted from the electron gun to a focal region. The housing can include the electron gun and extend along a housing axis in the direction of the electron beam. The cold cathode source is configured to emit electrons at a first operating pressure that is higher than a second operating pressure at the focal region of the electron beam.

In an embodiment, a system is provided that includes an electron gun, a focusing system, and a housing. The electron gun can include a cold cathode electron source and an extraction electrode. The focusing system can be configured to focus a beam of electrons extracted from the electron gun to a focal region. The housing can include the electron gun and extend along a housing axis in the direction of the electron beam. The cold cathode source is configured to emit electrons at a first operating pressure that is higher than a second operating pressure at the focal region of the electron beam.

An electron beam 3D printing machine (1), comprising a chamber (2) for generating and accelerating an electron beam and an operating chamber (3) in which a metal powder is melted, with the consequent production of a three-dimensional product. The chamber (2) for generating and accelerating an electron beam houses means (4) for generating an electron beam and means (6) for accelerating the generated electron beam, while the operating chamber (3) houses at least one platform (16) for depositing the metal powder, metal powder handling means (18) and electron beam deflection means (15). The accelerator means for the generated electron beam comprise a series of resonant cavities fed with an alternating signal.