Micro-engineered electron multipliers

Abstract

This invention provides for a simple method of fabricating miniature electron multipliers, in an in-plane configuration suitable for use with miniature analytic instruments such as mass filters. The materials involved are predominantly silicon and compatible oxides, allowing the possibility of integration with a mass filter formed in a similar materials system. The materials are selected simultaneously to withstand high voltages and to enhance secondary electron emission. Fabrication is based on standard planar processing methods. These methods also allow the construction of an integrated set of bias resistors in a multi-electrode device, so that the device may be operated from a single high-voltage source.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.