Methods and algorithm for calculating the focal parameters of a hollow conical electron beam in high-voltage glow discharge electron guns with a focusing magnetic lens

The algorithm is considered for calculating the focal distance of a hollow conical electron beam generated by high-voltage glow discharge electron guns with magnetic focusing of the beam in the drift region, as well as a method for calculating the diameter of the focal ring and its thickness for such a beam. The proposed algorithm is based on the theory of electron drift in the field of a focusing magnetic lens and is designed using the methods of discrete mathematics and the minimax analysis. The obtained simulation results made it possible to establish the influence of the magnetic lens current on the focal diameter of a hollow conical electron beam and on its focal ring thickness. It is shown that the change in the focal parameters of a hollow conical electron beam can be effectively provided through the regulation of the magnetic lens current.

Filopodial Initiation and a Novel Filament-organizing Center, the Focal Ring

This study examines filopodial initiation and implicates a putative actin filament organizer, the focal ring. Filopodia were optically recorded as they emerged from veils, the active lamellar extensions of growth cones. Motile histories revealed three events that consistently preceded filopodial emergence: an influx of cytoplasm into adjacent filopodia, a focal increase in phase density at veil margins, and protrusion of nubs that transform into filopodia. The cytoplasmic influx probably supplies materials needed for initiation. In correlated time lapse-immunocytochemistry, these focal phase densities corresponded to adhesions. These adhesions persisted at filopodial bases, regardless of subsequent movements. In correlated time lapse-electron microscopy, these adhesion sites contained a focal ring (an oblate, donut-shaped structure ∼120 nm in diameter) with radiating actin filaments. Filament geometry may explain filopodial emergence at 30 degree angles relative to adjacent filopodia. A model is proposed in which focal rings play a vital role in initiating and stabilizing filopodia: 1) they anchor actin filaments at adhesions, thereby facilitating tension development and filopodial emergence; 2) “axial” filaments connect focal rings to nub tips, thereby organizing filament bundling and ensuring the bundle intersects an adhesion; and 3) “lateral” filaments interconnect focal rings and filament bundles, thereby helping stabilize lamellar margins and filopodia.