Nanostructured integrated electron source

Abstract

Additive nanolithography with electron beam induced deposition is applied to generate a nanostructured integrated field emission electron source. The source is built into a lithographically fabricated pattern of connecting lines on a chip. Current stabilizing resistors are integrated in to the connecting lines with the same technique. Field emission microscope investigation of deposited supertips proves that a confined emission is delivered from conducting tips into a beam divergence angle of ±7°. The reduced brightness of the deposited supertips is evaluated. A 10 fold higher reduced brightness is observed if compared to conventional cold tungsten as well as to Schottky field emitters.