Ultrahigh-spatial-resolution field-emission projection microscopy of insulating samples

The method of ultrahigh-spatial-resolution field-emission projection imaging of nonconducting tips is implemented experimentally. An image of a glass microcapillary tip was obtained for the first time by the nonscanning method with spatial resolution no worse than 20 nm.     

激光软X—射线近贴显微技术初步研究

描述了用高功率脉冲激光打靶产生的等离子体作为软X-射线源而进行的近贴显微研究,并得到了分辨率好于1μm的结果.     

Image contrast enhancement in field-emission scanning electron microscopy of single-walled carbon nanotubes

The image contrast enhancement in scanning electron microscopy of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on SiO₂ surfaces was experimentally investigated using a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) using a wide range of primary electron (PE) voltages. SWNT images of different contrasts were obtained at different PE voltages. Image contrast enhancement of SWNTs was investigated by charging SiO₂ surfaces at different PE voltages. The phenomena are ascribed to the surface potential difference and charge injection between SWNTs and SiO₂ substrates induced by the electron-beam irradiation.     

Visualization of the wave function of a quantum particle in the momentum space by the field-emission microscopy technique

An interpretation of the field-emission images of molecules, impurity ions, and nanostructures placed on the tip of a field-emission microscope is given. It is shown that often such images represent nothing else but the visualization of the wave function of the emitted quantum particle in the momentum space. The results of many earlier experiments are reinterpreted with regard to the results obtained in the present work.     

Modification of field-emission currents from tungsten by external magnetic fields

Experimental work is described on the changes produced by an external magnetic field on field emission currents from tungsten needles held at helium temperatures. A steady decrease with field above a critical field is reported together with oscillatory variations of the order of 10 – 15%.     

Improving the field-emission properties of carbon nanotubes by magnetically controlled nickel-electroplating treatment

A novel magnetically controlled Ni-plating method has been developed to improve the field-emission properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The effect of the magnetic field and Ni-electroplating on CNT field-emission properties was investigated, and the results are demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy, J-E and the duration test. After treatment, the turn-on electric field declines from 1.55 to 0.91 V/μm at an emission current density of 100 μA/cm², and the emission current density increases from 0.011 to 0.34 mA/cm² at an electric field of 1.0 V/μm. Both the brightness and uniformity of the CNT emission performance are improved after treatment.     

The enhanced field-emission properties of screen-printed single-wall carbon-nanotube film by electrostatic field

In this work, we improved the field-emission properties of a screen-printed single-wall carbon-nanotube (SWCNT) film by applying a strong electrostatic field during the drying process after the printing. By applying the strong field, more tips of SWCNTs could emerge from the screen-printed film and turn somewhat toward the erecting direction because of the repulsive force among the SWCNTs. The field-emission properties of the film were thus improved obviously. The improved field emitters sample has low electron emission turn-on field (E_to = 1.22 V/μm), low electron emission threshold field (E_th = 2.32 V/μm) and high brightness with good uniformity and stability. The lowest operating field of the improved sample is below 1.0 V/μm and its optimum current density exceeds 3.5 mA/cm².     

A study of M center formation in additively colored KCl

Additively colored crystals of KCl were cooled rapidly from a high temperature and then exposed to light absorbed by the F band. The rate of growth of the M band was initially low and increased markedly during the first part of the irradiation giving rise to what is called a “delay period” in the M center formation. During this delay period it was observed that 1. the quantum efficiency of F center fluorescence decreases by a factor of 3 or 4, and 2. the ability to convert F centers to F′ centers is reduced by about a factor of 3. These effects are interpreted as arising because of an appreciable decrease in the average nearest neighbor F center separation during this period. Results are also presented concerning the kinetics of M center formation, oscillator strengths of the M center transitions, the degree of polarization of the M center fluorescence, and the transfer of energy from an excited F center to an M center.     

On the current state of field-emission electronics

The current state of field-emission electronics is reviewed and the basic types of field-emission cathodes (FECs) are analyzed (the results are presented in the form of diagrams). Special attention is paid to FECs made of carbon materials, which, in our opinion, are the most promising direction in the evolution of field-emission electronics. FEC utilization in modern electronic devices is illustrated by several examples. The main sections of the paper are devoted to analyzing the problems and prospects of FECs and field-emission electronics.     

Characterization and field-emission property of aligned porous carbon nanotube film by hydrogen-ion implantation

To enhance the field emission of carbon nanotube (CNT) films, a novel technique that combines hydrogen-ion implantation used in the silicon-on-insulation smart-cut process and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition was developed to produce an aligned porous carbon nanotube (AP-CNT) film on a Si substrate. All steps in the AP-CNT synthesis were carried out in vacuum, which reduced possible contamination. The morphology and the field-emission properties of the CNT films were investigated and results show that CNT holes with a diameter of 5 m and a depth of 30 m were produced in the AP-CNT film. The alignment of the CNTs is visibly improved. Due to the implantation treatment, the turn-on field of the CNT films decreased from 1.5 to 0.8 V/m, and the emission-current (and dot) density obviously increased. This field-emission improvement may mainly arise from the holes formed in the AP-CNT films. The edges of these holes not only intensified the electron emission but also increase the emission site density of the CNT films. PACS 81.05.Uw; 61.72.Tt; 85.45.Db     

Local field-emission characteristic of individual AlN cone fabricated by focused ion-beam etching method

Highly (0 0 2)-oriented AlN film was deposited on n-type (1 0 0)-oriented silicon substrates by the radio frequency magnetron sputtering method. An individual AlN cone with high aspect ratio was fabricated by the focused ion-beam (FIB) etching process in the surface of an as-formed AlN film. This etching method can easily control the tip radius and height to obtain AlN cones with different aspect ratios. The field-emission property of the individual AlN cone was measured in a scanning electron microscopy system equipped with a movable probe as the anode above the AlN tip. The results indicated that the as-formed single AlN cone with high aspect ratio possessed good field-emission ability although it only had a tiny emission area. Compared with a single Si tip fabricated by the same method, a single AlN cone exhibits better field-emission ability, and hence, has great potential as a promising candidate of point electron source for application in vacuum electronic devices.     

Self-trapped excitons perturbed by Na in KCl crystal

The optical absorption and emission induced by electron irradiation of Na⁺-doped KCl was measured and new absorption and emission bands which decay at the same time constant were found and ascribed to the self-trapped exciton perturbed by Na⁺ impurity.     

Synthesis and field-emission properties of roselike ZnO nanostructures

Self-assembled roselike ZnO nanostructures were synthesized via thermal evaporation of zinc powders without catalytic assistance at the relatively low temperature of 550 °C. The roselike structures consist of a large number of ZnO nanorods that uniformly arrange into hexagonal multilayers. The spontaneous nanoindentation effects under geometric constraints can be used to explain the structures. The cathodoluminescence spectra show a wide visible emission band related to Zn interstitials and oxygen vacancies. Field emission measurements demonstrate that the roselike ZnO nanostructures possess good electron emission characteristics with a turn-on field of 4.3 V/μm. PACS 68.70.+w; 78.55.Cr; 81.05.Cy     

The use of carbonaceous materials as field-emission cathodes

The advantages and disadvantages of carbon fibers and graphite plates with a developed surface as field-emission cathode materials are discussed. Experimental data for the chemical composition of the materials and the effect of thermal annealing on their structure and emission properties are presented. A correlation between the work function and the amount of cesium implant is studied. The feasibility of preparing planar cold cathodes with a developed surface by means of radiation technologies is considered, and the evolution of the emitting surface during bombardment by low-energy residual gas ions is traced. Cold cathode designs for various applications are recommended.     

A comparative study of field-emission from different one dimensional carbon nanostructures synthesized via thermal CVD system

Different one dimensional (1D) carbon nanostructures, such as carbon nanonoodles (CNNs), carbon nanospikes (CNSs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been synthesized via thermal chemical vapour deposition (TCVD) technique. The different 1D morphologies were synthesized by varying the substrate material and the deposition conditions. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). FESEM and TEM images showed that the diameters of the CNNs and CNTs were ∼40 nm while the diameters of the CNSs were around 100 nm. Field emission studies of the as-prepared samples showed that CNSs to be a better field emitter than CNNs, whereas CNTs are the best among the three producing large emission current. The variation of field emission properties with inter-electrode distance has been studied in detail. Also the time dependent field emission studies of all the nanostructures have been carried out.     

Phase visualization in the study of cellular structures by confocal microscopy

It is experimentally shown that recording of the axial hologram, along with the confocal image, expands the possibilities of studying biological structures. Specifically, this approach makes it possible to visualize the phase of object wave without significant changes in the confocal microscope design and using standard methods for image processing.     

Statistical simulation of the energy spectra of field-emission electrons

Random energies of electrons that escape from the source in the course of field emission are simulated using energy spectra. A relationship of the random values of total energy and the energy related to the normal (with respect to surface) component of momentum is established. A family of quadrature formulas needed for the integration of the distribution density of particles is analyzed. A hypothesis on the compliance of selected random energies with desired distribution laws is statistically tested.     

Processing and identification of field-emission images of metallic surfaces

Techniques and algorithms for recording and processing field-emission images have been proposed. An original method of identifying individual crystal faces and directions in the surface structure based on fieldemission images and information on the emitter lattice type is described. The results may be used for detailed investigation of field electron emission under various impacts on the metallic surface.     

An XPS study of the KCl surface oxidation in oxygen glow discharge

The reaction between the surface of KCl and oxygen in a glow discharge has been studied by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). Oxygen glow discharge treatment resulted in the formation of a superoxide, which decomposed under vacuum at room temperature to KO₂ and finally to K₂O. No evidence of KClO₃ or KClO₄ formation has been found. Binding energies of some oxygen species in potassium oxides were determined. The possible role of potassium in K-doped silver catalysts of ethylene epoxidation is discussed.