Method for manufacturing low work function surfaces

A process for making an elementary particle emitting surface, comprising the steps of:

• a. positioning into the path of a particle beam a layer of material whose molecules are modified when exposed to said particle beam,
• b. directionally focusing said particle beam on said material and exposing a pattern of molecules to the beam such that the modified molecules and the unmodified molecules of said material form a pattern that comprises an indented cross-section comprising protruding portions separated by spaces, and further wherein the depths of indents in said indented cross-section is given by the relationship n.lambda.+.lambda./4, where .lambda. is the de Broglie wavelength for said elementary particles and where n is 0 or a positive integer selected such that the geometric shape of said indented cross-section causes de Broglie interference between said elementary particles,
• c. developing said material to remove either said modified molecules or said unmodified molecules, whereby molecules not removed by said developing form at least said protruding portions of said indented cross-section,
• d. transferring said pattern of said indented cross-section to a surface of a substrate whereby said indented cross-section is created on said substrate.