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High Current Field Emission from ZrC with Differing Cone Angles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

W. A. Mackie ,
Tianbao Xie ,
K.S. Lee ,
A.T. McCalluma ,
M.J. Kirby  and
P. R. Davis
W. A. Mackie
Affiliation:
Linfield Research Institute, 900 S.E. Baker Street, McMinnville, OR 97128-6894billm@linfield.edu
Tianbao Xie
Affiliation:
Linfield Research Institute, 900 S.E. Baker Street, McMinnville, OR 97128-6894
K.S. Lee
Affiliation:
Linfield Research Institute, 900 S.E. Baker Street, McMinnville, OR 97128-6894
A.T. McCalluma
Affiliation:
Linfield Research Institute, 900 S.E. Baker Street, McMinnville, OR 97128-6894
M.J. Kirby
Affiliation:
Linfield Research Institute, 900 S.E. Baker Street, McMinnville, OR 97128-6894
P. R. Davis
Affiliation:
Linfield Research Institute, 900 S.E. Baker Street, McMinnville, OR 97128-6894
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Abstract

We briefly report on progress in forming field emitter array (FEA) cones from zirconium carbide. The major advances are on high current emission from single carbide emitters. These unique carbide materials have electron emission properties making them attractive for several applications. These could include video displays, microwave applications, high current and small spot electron sources (accelerators and FELs) and for operation at tube pressures or in poor vacuums (FEAs, vacuum detectors, neutralizing beams for ion thrusters, and charge dissipation on spacecraft).

The significant recent outcomes are in high current electron emission from single emitters with and without extraction apertures. A new processing technique has been developed to allow in-situ sharpening of arced emitters. This method also yields large emitter-cone half angles yet preserves the small emitter radii of electrochemically etched emitters. So far, this geometry translates into currents as high as 15 mA dc, the highest yet measured from single emitters, and enhanced beam confinement. This geometry may also lead to new considerations in forming transition metal carbide emitter cones for FEAs.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 558: Symposium B – Flat-Panel Displays and Sensors-Principles, Materials… , 1999 , 569
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2000

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References

REFERENCES

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