Convexoconcave Electron Emission Element for Air Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electron emission elements that utilize field electron emission face challenges in operating in air due to high energy electrons causing sputtering and ozone generation, leading to increased power consumption and instability.
Innovation Solution
An electron emission element with a convexoconcave electrode substrate and a thin film electrode having openings, where the electron accelerating layer contains insulating fine particles, allowing for controlled electron emission with reduced current consumption and improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If field electron emission is used to emit electrons, then electron emission capability is improved, but the element cannot operate stably in air due to sputtering and ozone generation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode substrate surface is divided into convex parts and concave parts, creating a convexoconcave structure. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions: convex parts for electron emission and concave parts for protecting the electron accelerating layer, thereby enabling stable operation in air while maintaining electron emission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electron accelerating layer containing insulating fine particles acts as an intermediary between the electrode substrate and the thin film electrode. This layer accelerates electrons through tunneling and controls their emission, preventing direct high-energy electron impact on the substrate that would cause sputtering and ozone generation
2Productivity
If high electric field is applied for field electron emission, then electron emission efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrical parameters by introducing an electron accelerating layer with insulating fine particles and applying a controlled voltage (5V to 20V) across the thin film electrode and electrode substrate. This creates a high electric field confined to the electron accelerating layer, achieving efficient electron emission through tunneling and acceleration without requiring excessive power
3Ease of operation
If electrons are emitted through the thin film electrode, then emission control is improved, but electron transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The thin film electrode is designed with local openings at positions corresponding to the convex parts of the electrode substrate. This local quality differentiation allows electrons to be emitted efficiently through the openings while maintaining control over the emission regions, balancing both control and transmission efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The electron emission element achieves high electron emission efficiency with reduced power consumption and stable operation in air, preventing sputtering and ozone generation by emitting electrons through openings or tunneling, enhancing control accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
electrons which are accelerated between the electrode substrate and the thin film electrode by voltage application across the electrode substrate and the thin film electrode
Implementation Method 2
some of the electrons are (i) caused to transmit the thin film metal electrodes of the respective MIM type and MIS type electron emission elements and (ii) two-dimensionally emitted from whole surfaces of the respective MIM type and MIS type electron emission elements
Data Source
AI summary
An electron emission element (1) includes an electrode substrate (2) and a thin film electrode (3), and emits electrons from the thin film electrode (3) by voltage application across the electrode substrate (2) and the thin film electrode (3). An electron accelerating layer (4) containing at least insulating fine particles (5) is provided between the electrode substrate (2) and the thin film electrode (3). The electrode substrate (2) has a convexoconcave surface. The thin film electrode (3) has openings (6) above convex parts of the electrode substrate (2).