3D-printed field emission sources for compact systems

Abstract

A field emission electron source and a method of manufacturing the same. A field emission electron source comprises an emitting electrode and an extractor gate electrode. The emitting electrode comprising a plurality of particles with nanosharp protrusions. The extractor gate electrode comprises a metal. The extractor gate electrode is formed in a same plane as the emitting electrode. The extractor gate electrode is formed surrounding the emitting electrode. A method of manufacturing a field emission electron source comprises forming an emitting electrode comprising a plurality of particles with nanosharp protrusions using a direct ink writing (DIW) printer. The method comprises forming an extractor gate electrode comprising a metal using the DIW printer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.