An efficient novel low voltage field electron emitter with cathode consisting of template synthesized copper microarrays

Synthesis of copper microstructures was done using the electrochemical template technique using the NTF (Nuclear Track Filter). The NTF was fabricated using the polycarbonate SSNTD (Solid State Nuclear Track Detector) which was created by irradiation of Uranium ions. The synthesized copper microstructures were further used to fabricate a novel low voltage field electron emitter. As compared to traditional technique of lithography-based nano/micro fabrication, template synthesis is a simple technique, where pores of NTFs are used as templates and by using a suitable electrochemical cell design, any type of nano/microstructures can be fabricated. The present paper envisages the production of nuclear track filters and fabrication of copper microstructures through galvanic replication. The studies also reports first time, a excellent low voltage field electron emitter fabricated by using copper microstructures in comparison to the earlier work. This low voltage field electron emitter being a novel cold cathode emitter can be a potential candidate for an energy saving devices.