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Field-Emitter-Array Cold Cathode Arc-Protection Methods - A Theoretical Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 March 2011

L. Parameswaran  and
R.A. Murphy
L. Parameswaran
Affiliation:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington MA 02420-9108
R.A. Murphy
Affiliation:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington MA 02420-9108
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Abstract

Field-emitter arrays (FEAs) are desirable for use as electron emitters in microwave-tube amplifiers because they can provide such advantages as higher efficiency and faster turn-on compared to their thermionic counterparts. Calculations have shown that Spindt-type metal and semiconductor emitters operate well below intrinsic current limits due to thermal effects, even for high-current applications such as klystrodes, twystrodes, and traveling-wave amplifiers. Nevertheless, the primary barrier to FEA utilization in such applications is premature failure due to arcing. These failures appear to be produced by ionization of gas molecules and/or desorbed contaminants, which are exacerbated by a poor vacuum environment. Lifetime and stability issues have been largely resolved for less stringent applications, such as flat-panel displays, through the use of integrated passive resistors that provide current limiting. However, such an approach is not directly compatible with operation at high frequency and current density. Other more complex approaches, such as the incorporation of active control in the form of integrated transistors, have also been demonstrated, but again, only for FEAs used in displays. This paper will review some of these schemes in the context of their efficacy in improving lifetime and stability of FEA cold cathodes in high-frequency applications. A theoretical analysis will be given of the effect on highfrequency performance of incorporating arc protection structures into Spindt-type metal FEAs. Specifically, two approaches will be considered: passive protection schemes such as the use of a modified thin film resistive layer, and active schemes such as FETs and saturated current limiters.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 621: Symposia Q/R – Electron-Emissive Materials, Vacuum Microelectronics… , 2000 , R4.6.1
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2000

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