Nanoscale field-emission device and method of fabrication
US10622181B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2018 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2209/0223
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Nanoscale field-emission devices are presented, wherein the devices include at least a pair of electrodes separated by a gap through which field emission of electrons from one electrode to the other occurs. The gap is dimensioned such that only a low voltage is required to induce field emission. As a result, the emitted electrons energy that is below the ionization potential of the gas or gasses that reside within the gap. In some embodiments, the gap is small enough that the distance between the electrodes is shorter than the mean-free path of electrons in air at atmospheric pressure. As a result, the field-emission devices do not require a vacuum environment for operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.