Modified SPINDT Cold-Cathode Design
- Technology Application
- High durability andstability cold cathodes for generating x-rays (for medical imaging/treatment,non-destructive testing, and equipment sterilization)
- Detailed Technology Description
- Cold cathode design withhigh stability and uniformity
- *Abstract
-
UHN and U of Waterloo scientistshave developed a CNT-Spindt hybrid field-emitter that helps alleviate theproblems faced by “cold-cathode” technologies for application in pulsed X-raytubes (CT scanners without moving parts), and flat panel X-ray sources.
Current “cold-cathode”technologies in development, i.e. Carbon nanotubes (“CNT”) and Spindt emitters,are directed at replacing traditional thermionic cathodes which suffer fromhigh power consumption, high operating temperatures, and slow response times.However, CNT’s themselves suffer from uncontrollable density and uniformity aswell as high gate voltages, while Spindt emitters require ultra-high vacuums tooperate.
UHN’s hybrid field-emitterdesign includes automatic self-aligned growth of CNTs to ensure uniform height,and a ballast resistor that overcomes non-uniformity of local field enhancementfactor at the emitter apex. These two features significantly improve thedurability and stability of “cold-cathode” technology and are believed to bethe enabler for the “cold-cathode” technology to succeed.
- *Principal Investigator
-
Dr. David Jaffray, University Health Network
- *Publications
- Yonghai Sun; David A.Jaffray ; John T. W. Yeow. , "The Design and Fabrication ofCarbon-Nanotube-Based Field Emission X-Ray Cathode With Ballast Resistor”"IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices (Volume:60 , Issue: 1 ) 19 November 2012 pgs 464 – 470 DOI10.1109/TED.2012.2226036
- Country/Region
- USA
