Abstract:
A diamond electron source in which a single sharpened tip is formed at one end of a pillar-shaped diamond monocrystal of a size for which resist application is difficult in a microfabrication process, as an electron emission point used in an electron microscope or other electron beam device, and a method for manufacturing the diamond electron source. One end of a pillar-shaped diamond monocrystal 10 is ground to form a smooth flat surface 11, and a ceramic layer 12 is formed on the smooth flat surface 11. A thin-film layer 14 having a prescribed shape is deposited on the ceramic layer 12 using a focused ion beam device, after which the ceramic layer 12 is patterned by etching using the thin-film layer 14 as a mask. A single sharpened tip is formed at one end of the pillar-shaped diamond monocrystal 10 by dry etching using the resultant ceramic mask.
Abstract:
Spindt-type field-emission cathodes for use in electric propulsion (EP) systems having self- assembling nanostructures that can repeatedly regenerate damaged cathode emitter nanotips. A nanotip is created by applying a negative potential near the surface of a liquefied base metal to create a Taylor cone converging to a nanotip, and solidifying the Taylor cone for use as a field- emission cathode. When the nanotip of the Taylor cone becomes sufficiently blunted or damaged to affect its utility, the base metal is re-liquefied by application of a heat source, a negative potential is reapplied to the surface of the base metal to recreate the Taylor cone, and a new nanotip is generated by solidifying the base metal.
Abstract:
Diamond microtip field emitters (25) are fabricated for use in diode and triode vacuum microelectronic devices, sensors and displays. Ultra-sharp emitter tips are formed in a fabrication process in which diamond is deposited into mold cavities in a two step deposition sequence. During deposition of the diamond, the graphite content is carefully controlled to enhance emission performance. The tips or the emitters (25) may be treated by post fabrication processes, such as sharpening or doping with gold.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a diamond electron source and its manufacturing method wherein one sharp-pointed section as an electron emission point for use in an electron beam device such as an electron microscope is formed at one end of a columnar diamond single crystal having a size where resist coating is difficult in a microfabrication process. SOLUTION: One end of the columnar diamond single crystal 10 is polished to form a smooth flat surface 11, and a ceramic layer 12 is formed on the smooth flat surface 11. After a thin film layer 14 having a predetermined shape is deposited on the ceramic layer 12 by using a focused ion beam system, the ceramic layer 12 is patterned by etching using the thin film layer 14 as a mask. One sharp-pointed section is formed at the one end of the columnar diamond single crystal 10 by dry etching using the formed ceramic mask. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
A solid state sub-nanometer-scale electron beam emitter comprising a multi-layered structure having a nano-tip electron emitter and tunnel emission junction formed on substrate, an initial electron beam extraction electrode, a "nano-sandwich Einzel" electrode, and a topmost protective layer.