Micro proximity electron source for nanoprocessing in atmosphere

We have designed and fabricated a miniature proximity electron source, which can be used in atmosphere for future high density data storage or electron beam direct lithography. Carbon nanocoils (CNCs) grown on silicon are adopted as electron emitters because of their excellent field emission properties. Electrons are transmitted from a vacuum-sealed cavity to atmosphere through a thin film called as an electron window. As the membrane of the electron window, an ultrathin silicon film is chosen. The submicron diameter of the window will make narrow exuded electron distribution. We propose the concept and design of the device and report on the result of fabrication and measurements of the emission characteristics of CNCs.