Boron-Doped Diamond Electron Source for Low-Energy Emission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electron sources require high energy for efficient electron emission, making them impractical for certain applications.

Innovation Solution

Combining a first region of InxAlyGa1-x-yN with a second region of diamond, including boron, to facilitate electron emission using relatively low energy light irradiation, creating a local energy valley for efficient electron transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional electron sources are used, then electron emission can be achieved, but high energy is required making them impractical for certain applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpractical applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines AlGaN (first region) and diamond (second region) to form a composite structure. The AlGaN layer absorbs light and generates electron-hole pairs, while the diamond layer with boron doping provides a lower work function surface for efficient electron emission. This composite material approach enables low-energy electron emission that is practical for applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If high energy is used for electron emission, then efficient electron emission can be achieved, but the process becomes impractical for certain applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron emission efficiencyVSAvoidoperational practicality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the work function parameter by using boron-doped diamond as the emission surface. The boron doping creates acceptor states that reduce the work function from typical values (4-5 eV) to lower values (2-3 eV), enabling efficient electron emission with low-energy light irradiation. This parameter change makes the system both efficient and operationally practical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Achieves highly efficient electron emission with improved characteristics, allowing for practical applications in electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

When light enters the first region, movable electrons are generated in the first region. The electrons move to the second region and are emitted from the surface of the second region to the outside.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The second region includes diamond including boron. When light enters the first region, movable electrons are generated in the first region. The electrons move to the second region and are emitted from the surface of the second region to the outside.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250364199A1Electron source

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an electron source includes a first member. The first member includes a first region and a second region. The first region includes InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, x+y≤1). The second region includes diamond including boron.