Patent ID: 6027619
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: C23C,H01J

Abstract:
A method of forming an emitter tip on a surface of a target, the method comprising:(a) providing a first chamber, a second chamber, and a duct, said duct providing a non-linear path between said first chamber and said second chamber;(b) providing a target having a surface that defines at least one hole;(c) providing an ion source;(d) placing the target in said first chamber;(e) placing said ion source in said second chamber;(f) establishing a vacuum in said first chamber, said second chamber, and said duct;(g) generating a beam of ions, said beam extending from said ion source in said first chamber into said duct, said beam being characterized by a directionality, said. directionality equaling a ratio of a parallel velocity to a perpendicular velocity, said parallel velocity being a velocity of ions in said beam measured in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of said beam, said perpendicular velocity being a velocity of ions in said beam measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to said axis of said beam;(h) generating a magnetic field proximal the duct, the magnetic field causing at least some of the ions in the beam to travel along said non-linear path through said duct into said second chamber;(i) providing one or more baffles within said duct;(j) depositing at least some ions traveling in said beam onto the surface at the bottom of said hole; and(k) after depositing said at least some ions at the bottom of said hole, reducing said directionality of said beam and thereby forming a conical emitter tip at the bottom of the hole.