Maximizing field-emitter-array transconductance for microwave applications

Summary form only given. Our experiments have shown that reducing the gate aperture of a field emitter array from 1 /spl mu/m to 0.4 /spl mu/m can roughly double the transconductance (g/sub m/) for a given number of emitter tips at a given total emission current, whereas quadrupling the number of 1-/spl mu/m diameter emitters in the array will only increase g/sub m/ by 1.3 times at the same total emission current. With the Spindt-cathode fabrication process, it is possible to adjust the emitter-growth procedure to favor the formation of larger or smaller-radius tips (areas) by manipulation of the deposition parameters during the emitter-cone formation process. These design and engineering issues will be discussed in detail.