Micro-Hollow Cathode Discharge (MHCD) MEMS arrays for high-current cold cathodes
2014
Micro Hollow Cathode Discharge (MHCD) arrays, fabricated in silicon with Al
2
O
3
or titanium silicide- coated cathodes, have been investigated for use as high-current, coldcathode electron sources. When arranged as large arrays, micron-scale MHCD's have the potential to be used as electronbeam sources with current densities up into the A-cm
-2
range. Analysis, simulations and experimental data show that a quantum-mechanical tunneling current through the aluminum oxide cathode coating (when made thin enough) allows the DC operation of a MHCD at modest vacuum using Ar. The high secondary-electron emission and low sputter yield, of Al
2
O
3
leads to increases in the plasma electron density and cathode operating lifetimes, respectively. Preliminary data show a significant increase in current density under identical operating conditions, using the alumina dielectric-coated cathodes as compared with bare-silicon baseline cathodes.
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