Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Carbon nanotubes are new materials that have attracted significant attention over the past decade due to their outstanding electronic and mechanical properties. In particular, these nanomaterials have very promising properties as electron sources. Such electron sources are needed in ultra-high resolution microscopes, flat-panel displays and a number of innovative electronic device applications. Electron emission experiments must be performed in vacuum to prevent the scattering of the generated electrons by air molecules. Also, due to the sensitivity of the experiments, a high level of vacuum is needed to prevent the degradation of the samples over the course of the experiments. We propose to build a high-vacuum apparatus for the above experiments. The system will consist of a main chamber with a volume of approximately 1 cubic foot. It will be evacuated of air by a combination of several pumps. In order to explore various electron emission mechanisms from carbon nanotubes, the proposed system will be equipped with electrical feedthrough lines, a precision movable probe, a sample heater, an electron gun and windows to allow the illumination of samples from outside. The electron emitters investigated here are important to the microelectronics industry as necessary components in high-performance tools for the fabrication and inspection of electronic circuits. Another application is in improved display technologies. This research will also have a long-term impact by exploring novel electronic devices and contributing to our knowledge of nanotechnology and physical phenomena at small scales.