Self-ordering and equilibrium shapes of carbon nanotip pattern controlled by ion micro-flux distribution

Summary form only given. Carbon nanotip patterns are very promising nanostructures for that can provide very high electron emission currents in various electronic devices. Nanotip emitters show several advantages, as compared with other types of electron emission devices. Their use in the flat display panels may provide better characteristics of the devices. In this work we compare the shapes of nanotips produced in plasma environment, with the shapes produced in gas process. We demonstrate that the distribution of ion current provides effective control of the growth shapes of the nanotips. The ion flux distribution in the nano-pattern was simulated numerically. We have traced the individual ion motion, and then restored the micro-flux distributions statistically. The distributions were used to simulate the nanotip growth. Our calculations reveal the dependence of the shape on plasma parameters, and provide tools for the effective control of the shapes. Another interesting and important effect is the self-ordering phenomena that lead to the equalization of the nanotips base radii distribution function. As a result, the pattern created becomes more uniform; this makes it possible to expect more reliable characteristics of the emitters. Besides, the method allows effective control of the nanotips apex angle which is the main characteristic that determines the electron current emission. The nanotip shape transformation for the case of ion flux distributed mainly at the nanotip base is shown