Del Mar Photonics

Del Mar Photonics featured customer
 

 

Michael Wong

Graduate Student

Electrical and Computer Engineering


Silicon microtip emitters

 

Under the sponsorship of Bruker AXS, Inc., the UC Davis Vacuum Microelectronic Team are undertaking the task of inventing a novel and innovative high-resolution X-ray imaging detector using Field Emission Array (FEA) technology.  The objective of this research is to design, fabricate, and test the second phase of the Bruker X-ray detection project, using highly-planar, gated, photosensitive, (FEA) photocathode.
        The gated FEAs are fabricated using subtractive etching techniques and include Chemo-Mechanical-Polishing for a planar-gate surface.  The advantages of implementing a planar-gate include higher spatial resolution, enhanced dynamic range, reduced gate-cathode capacitance, and a lower turn-on voltage (which reduces the chance of damage being caused by high-voltage dielectric breakdown.)  Previous planar, gated designs from other FEA groups [1], [2] show promising results, but have certain deficiencies.  This design of gated-FEA photocathode has the potential advantages of a planar gate surface, and can alleviate problems associated with non-self-aligned gate openings and  uneven fabrication over a large-area array.

     
         

Del Mar Photonics connection: Michael Wong uses Del Mar Microchannel Plate detectors in his experimental research.