@inproceedings{EdlerHanschPrommesbergeretal., author = {Edler, Simon and Hansch, Walter and Prommesberger, Christian and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Influence of adsorbates on the performance of a field emitter array in a high voltage triode setup}, series = {International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC), 31st, 2018, Kyoto, Japan}, booktitle = {International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC), 31st, 2018, Kyoto, Japan}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/IVNC.2018.8520214}, pages = {1-2}, abstract = {The influence of residual gas pressure on the characteristics of black-Silicon field emitter arrays in a high voltage triode setup is investigated. I-Vcharacteristics at different pressure levels show a decrease of emission current with rising pressure. This can be explained by an increase of the work function and charging of the emitter surface due to adsorbates. The initial characteristics can be restored by heating the FEA up to 110 °C during electron emission. This regeneration procedure enables an extension of the lifetime from about 20 h to 440 h at a residual gas pressure of 10 -5 mbar.}, language = {en} } @article{BerndtMuggliWittweretal., author = {Berndt, Dominik and Muggli, Josef and Wittwer, Franz and Langer, Christoph and Heinrich, Stephan and Knittel, Thorsten and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {MEMS-based thermal conductivity sensor for hydrogen gas detection in automotive applications}, series = {Sensors and Actuators A: Physical}, volume = {305}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators A: Physical}, number = {April}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.sna.2019.111670}, abstract = {Accurate detection of hydrogen gas in vehicle interiors is very important for the future of a fuel cell car. Since this type of gas is highly volatile and flammable, the measurement methods have to be very reliable and precise due to safety reasons. In this paper a thermal conductivity sensor for hydrogen gas detection is presented, exhibiting a lower detection limit of 2000 ppm hydrogen in laboratory air. The sensor element is realized by micro-fabrication techniques on silicon wafers. The heated filament is exposed by a selective wet etching process creating a micro-hotplate on a thin membrane. In order to minimize power consumption, the sensor is operated in pulsed mode. Hydrogen gas detection was carried out using a synthetic gas testbench. Measurements of hydrogen contents ranging from 0\% to 4\% with an increment of 0.5\% were successfully performed for ambient gas temperatures between -15°C and 84°C. Including humidity, high moisture contents have the greatest influence on thermal conductivity. This was predicted in theoretical investigations and confirmed in experiments. For evaluation, both the change in resistance ΔR as well as the time constant τ were taken as sensor output. For both quantities, the previously established theoretical relationship with thermal conductivity could be confirmed.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SilberbauerLindnerSchreiner, author = {Silberbauer, Theodor and Lindner, Matthias and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Charakterisierung der dielektrischen Barrierenentladung von Mikroplasmaaktuatoren in Abh{\"a}ngigkeit der Substratdicke}, series = {Intelligente Systeme und ihre Komponenten: Forschung und industrielle Anwendung : Fachbeitr{\"a}ge 2. Symposium Elektronik und Systemintegration ESI 2020}, booktitle = {Intelligente Systeme und ihre Komponenten: Forschung und industrielle Anwendung : Fachbeitr{\"a}ge 2. Symposium Elektronik und Systemintegration ESI 2020}, address = {Landshut}, pages = {64 -- 72}, language = {de} } @article{KrysztofMieraUrbańskietal., author = {Krysztof, Michał and Miera, Paweł and Urbański, Paweł and Grzebyk, Tomasz and Hausladen, Matthias and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Integrated silicon electron source for high vacuum microelectromechanical system devices}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {42}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {2}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, issn = {2166-2746}, doi = {10.1116/6.0003385}, abstract = {The article presents the process of developing a silicon electron source designed for high-vacuum microelectromechanical system (HV MEMS) devices, i.e., MEMS electron microscope and MEMS x-ray source. Technological constraints and issues of such an electron source are explained. The transition from emitters made of carbon nanotubes to emitters made of pure silicon is described. Overall, the final electron source consists of a silicon tip emitter and a silicon gate electrode integrated on the same glass substrate. The source generates an electron beam without any carbon nanotube coverage. It generates a high and stable electron current and works after the final bonding process of an HV MEMS device.}, language = {en} } @article{SchreinerNaegeleKoerbletal., author = {Schreiner, Rupert and Naegele, Peter and K{\"o}rbl, M. and Groning, A. and Gentner, Jean-Louis and Schweizer, Heinz C.}, title = {Monolithically integrated tunable laterally coupled distributed-feedback lasers}, series = {Photonics Technology Letters}, volume = {13}, journal = {Photonics Technology Letters}, number = {12}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/68.969880}, pages = {1277 -- 1279}, abstract = {A new method for fabrication of tunable InGaAsP-InP single-mode lasers without epitaxial overgrowth is reported. These devices show the advantage of a considerably simplified fabrication process compared to conventional tunable laser types. The lasers comprise an active Bragg reflector integrated with an uncorrugated separately pumped gain region. By adjusting the current through the Bragg reflector, the wavelength can be tuned between 1590.8 and 1595.2 nm.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BuchnerKaiserHausladenetal., author = {Buchner, Philipp and Kaiser, Alexander and Hausladen, Matthias and Bartl, Mathias and Bachmann, Michael and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Silicon Nanowire Field Emitters with Integrated Extraction Gates Using Benzocyclobutene as an Insulator}, series = {37th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC), 15-19 July 2024, Brno, Czech Republic}, booktitle = {37th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC), 15-19 July 2024, Brno, Czech Republic}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/IVNC63480.2024.10652314}, pages = {1 -- 2}, abstract = {We are continuously improving the performance of our field emission electron sources. In this work a geometrically optimized design of electron sources with silicon nanowire field emitters on pillars was fabricated. This new design increased the packing density of the emitters by using a hexagonal arrangement of the pillars and a pillar spacing of 40 µm. Benzocyclobutene was used as the insulator material for an integrated (Cr/Ni) extraction gate. A modified fabrication process for the field emitters further improved reproducibility and reliability. An emission current of about 0.4 mA was measured for 30 minutes at an extraction voltage of 250 V and an anode voltage of 500 V. Electron transmission through the gate reached almost 100\%.}, language = {en} } @article{BerndtMuggliHeckeletal., author = {Berndt, Dominik and Muggli, Josef and Heckel, Robert and Rahiman, Mohd Fuad and Lindner, Matthias and Heinrich, Stephan and Pl{\"o}chinger, Heinz and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {A Robust Miniaturized Gas Sensor for H₂ and CO₂ Detection Based on the 3ω Method}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {22}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {2}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/s22020485}, pages = {1 -- 17}, abstract = {Gas concentration monitoring is essential in industrial or life science areas in order to address safety-relevant or process-related questions. Many of the sensors used in this context are based on the principle of thermal conductivity. The 3ω-method is a very accurate method to determine the thermal properties of materials. It has its origin in the thermal characterization of thin solid films. To date, there have been very few scientific investigations using this method to determine the thermal properties of gases and to apply it to gas measurement technology. In this article, we use two exemplary gases (H2 and CO2) for a systematical investigation of this method in the context of gas analysis. To perform our experiments, we use a robust, reliable sensing element that is already well established in vacuum measurement technology. This helix-shaped thin wire of tungsten exhibits high robustness against chemical and mechanical influences. Our setup features a compact measurement environment, where sensor operation and data acquisition are integrated into a single device. The experimental results show a good agreement with a simplified analytical model and FEM simulations. The sensor exhibits a lower detection limit of 0.62\% in the case of CO2, and only 0.062\% in case the of H2 at an excitation frequency of 1 Hz. This is one of the lowest values reported in literature for thermal conductivity H2 sensors.}, language = {en} } @article{SchreinerKoerblGraebeldingeretal., author = {Schreiner, Rupert and K{\"o}rbl, M. and Gr{\"a}beldinger, H. and Gentner, Jean-Louis and Schweizer, H.}, title = {Laterally gain-coupled 1.57 [micro sign]m DFB lasers with chromium surface grating and self-aligned Ti/Pt/Au ohmic contact}, series = {Electronics Letters}, volume = {36}, journal = {Electronics Letters}, number = {7}, publisher = {The Institution of Engineering and Technology, IET}, issn = {0013-5194}, doi = {10.1049/el:20000500}, pages = {636 -- 637}, abstract = {A simple method for fabricating gain coupled DFB lasers with lateral surface chromium Bragg gratings and self-aligned low capacitance ohmic contacts is reported. These InGaAsP/InP lasers show monomode emission with a sidemode suppression ratio of 40 dB. For 243 µm long devices a continuous wave threshold current of 17 mA was measured at room temperature.}, language = {en} } @article{SchreinerLangerPrommesbergeretal., author = {Schreiner, Rupert and Langer, Christoph and Prommesberger, Christian and Dams, Florian}, title = {Compact and Energy-Efficient Field Emission Cathodes for Sensor Applications}, series = {Advanced Materials Research}, volume = {1024}, journal = {Advanced Materials Research}, publisher = {Scientific.net}, doi = {10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.1024.372}, pages = {372 -- 375}, abstract = {We report on miniaturized silicon field emitter arrays for the application in compact and energy-saving vacuum-microelectronic devices, e.g. sensors or x-ray tubes. Since standard silicon semiconductor technology has been used for the fabrication, they may be easily integrated with other silicon based circuits and devices on the same chip. The silicon tip geometry and the operating conditions were optimized in order to obtain highly uniform and stable electron field emission from large area cathode arrays. A series of uniform hexagonal tip arrays containing each 547 tips were fabricated and characterized. The electron emission properties of both individual tips as well as of complete emitter arrays were investigated. A saturation level in the voltage-current characteristics was found, which can be explained by the limitation of the supply of electrons due to the p-type silicon wafer material. When operating the arrays in the current saturation regime at an emission current of ~ 1 nA per tip, a highly stable and low noise emission can be observed.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HausladenBomkeBuchneretal., author = {Hausladen, Matthias and Bomke, Vitali and Buchner, Philipp and Bachmann, Michael and Knapek, Alexandr and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Influence of Geometrical Arrangements of Si Tip Arrays Fabricated by Laser Micromachining on their Emission Behaviour}, series = {2021 34th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC): 7/5/2021 - 7/9/2021, Lyon, France}, booktitle = {2021 34th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC): 7/5/2021 - 7/9/2021, Lyon, France}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {Piscataway, N.J.}, isbn = {978-1-6654-2589-6}, issn = {2380-6311}, doi = {10.1109/IVNC52431.2021.9600717}, abstract = {ensely packed emitters on a field emission array lead typically to mutual shielding. Taking biology as a role model for geometric arrangements could be a way to reduce this effect. For comparison, two electron sources, one with a spiral and a second with conventional rectangular (orthogonal) arranged emitters, were fabricated and investigated. Emission currents of 6 µA in the spiral ordered array and 120 µA in the rectangular array were reached with an extraction voltage of 400 V. From a mid-term measurement over 1 h a current stability of ±8.8 \% (spiral) respectively ±5.7 \% (rectangular) with a mean degradation of -3.0 µA/h (spiral) and -0.12 µA/h (rectangular) could be observed.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BuchnerBomkeHausladenetal., author = {Buchner, Philipp and Bomke, Vitali and Hausladen, Matthias and Edler, Simon and Bachmann, Michael and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Investigation on the Emission Behaviour of p-doped Silicon Field Emission Arrays with Individually Controllable Single Tips}, series = {2021 34th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC): 7/5/2021 - 7/9/2021, Lyon, France}, booktitle = {2021 34th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC): 7/5/2021 - 7/9/2021, Lyon, France}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {978-1-6654-2589-6}, doi = {10.1109/IVNC52431.2021.9600756}, pages = {1 -- 2}, abstract = {Four individually controllable emission tips consisting of <111> p-Type silicon, were structured on a glass substrate by laser ablation. A matching extraction grid was manufactured in the same manner and aligned with the emitters. The resulting samples were characterized in ultra-high vacuum. As expected, the individual currents show a strong saturation and in the saturation region a considerably lower current fluctuation than n-type silicon due to charge carrier depletion. The individual tips behave completely independent behaviour from each other and the overall emission can be deduced from the sum of the currents through the individual tips.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HechtBauereiβSellmairetal., author = {Hecht, Fabian and Bauereiβ, Florian and Sellmair, Josef and Buchner, Philipp and Hausladen, Matthias and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Electron Beam Induced Growth of Carbon Nanotips on Tungsten and Silicon Fieldemitters}, series = {2023 IEEE 36th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC), 10-13 July 2023, Cambridge, MA, USA}, booktitle = {2023 IEEE 36th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC), 10-13 July 2023, Cambridge, MA, USA}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {979-8-3503-0143-4}, doi = {10.1109/IVNC57695.2023.10188960}, pages = {160 -- 162}, abstract = {In our experiments we grew electron emitting carbon nanostructures on tungsten tips. Subsequently, we transferred the growth process to pre-structured phosphorus-doped n-type silicon and obtained emitting carbon nanostructures directly grown on silicon. After growth of the nanostructures, the silicon field emitters showed increased emission currents of 76 nA at 1.1 kV (compared to 6 nA under the same conditions before growth).}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{AllahamBuchnerSchreineretal., author = {Allaham, Mohammad M. and Buchner, Philipp and Schreiner, Rupert and Kn{\´a}pek, Alexandr}, title = {Testing the performance of Murphy-Good plots when applied to current-voltage characteristics of Si field electron emission tips}, series = {2021 34th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC): 5-9 July 2021, Lyon, France}, booktitle = {2021 34th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC): 5-9 July 2021, Lyon, France}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/IVNC52431.2021.9600690}, pages = {1 -- 2}, abstract = {Murphy-Good plots are the most recent type of the analysis methods in the field electron emission theory, this type of plots has several useful characteristics such as: having the very-nearly straight line to represent the current-voltage characteristics and the absence of the correction factors in the mathematical procedure of the analysis process. In this study, n-type <111> and <100> Si chips containing four individual emitters are used as base emitters and mounted in a diode configuration field emission setup where the experiments are operated in an ultra-high vacuum ( 10-7 Pa). Each chip has four individual controllable emitters with 5 µm distance between the Si tips and the same material grid. Laser micromachining and subsequent wet chemical etching technique is used to structure and polish the tips. Murphy-Good plots are used to study the behavior of the Si individual tips and compare the results with the array current by extracting the field emission characterization parameters of the emitters.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ZhengFuhrmannXuetal., author = {Zheng, Jihong and Fuhrmann, Thomas and Xu, Boqing and Schreiner, Rupert and Jia, Hongzhi and Zhang, Wei and Wang, Ning and Seebauer, Gudrun and Zhu, Jiyan}, title = {Curriculum design and German student exchange for Sino-German Bachelor program majored in optoelectronics engineering}, series = {14th Conference on Education and Training in Optics and Photonics (ETOP 2017), 29-31.05.2017, Hangzhou, China, 29-31.05.2017}, booktitle = {14th Conference on Education and Training in Optics and Photonics (ETOP 2017), 29-31.05.2017, Hangzhou, China, 29-31.05.2017}, publisher = {SPIE}, doi = {10.1117/12.2269574}, pages = {134}, abstract = {Different higher education backgrounds in China and Germany led to challenges in the curriculum design at the beginning of our cooperative bachelor program in Optoelectronics Engineering. We see challenges in different subject requirements from both sides and in the German language requirements for Chinese students. The curriculum was optimized according to the AS IIN criteria, which makes it acceptable and und erstandable by both countries. German students are integrated into the Chinese class and get the sa me lectures like their Chinese colleagues. Intercultural and curriculum challenges are successfully solved. The results are summarized to provide an example for other similar international programs.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BiekerRoustaieLangeretal., author = {Bieker, Johannes and Roustaie, Farough and Langer, Christoph and Schreiner, Rupert and Schlaak, Helmut F.}, title = {Innovatives Verfahren zur Herstellung und Integration metallischer Nanokonen f{\"u}r die Feldemission}, series = {MikroSystemTechnik Kongress 2017 : MEMS, Mikroelektronik, Systeme 23.-25. Oktober 2017 in M{\"u}nchen}, booktitle = {MikroSystemTechnik Kongress 2017 : MEMS, Mikroelektronik, Systeme 23.-25. Oktober 2017 in M{\"u}nchen}, number = {CD-ROM}, publisher = {VDE-Verlag}, address = {M{\"u}nchen}, isbn = {978-3-8007-4491-6}, pages = {797 -- 800}, abstract = {In den letzten Jahren wurde am Institut f{\"u}r Elektromechanische Konstruktionen die Fabrikation und Integration von metallischen Nanodr{\"a}hten und Nanokonen mittels Template-basierter Abscheidung erforscht. Diese Variante der in-situ Abscheidung von metallischen Nanostrukturen bietet eine Vielzahl von Anwendungsm{\"o}glichkeiten. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags werden das Herstellungsverfahren zur Herstellung metallischer Nanokonen vorgestellt. Dies beinhaltet sowohl die Templatepr{\"a}paration mittels asymmetrischen {\"A}tzens als auch die anschließende Integration mittels galvanischer Abscheidung. Eine Anwendung der metallischen Nanokonen stellt die Verwendung als Feldemitter in der Vakuumelektronik dar. Es werden erste Messungen der Langzeitstabilit{\"a}t des Feldemissionsstromes der metallischen Konen pr{\"a}sentiert.}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{RahimanBerndtSchreiner, author = {Rahiman, Mohd Fuad and Berndt, Dominik and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Micro-wire Pirani with temperature-stabilized Environment}, series = {3. Symposium Elektronik und Systemintegration ESI 2022: 06. April 2022, Hochschule Landshut}, booktitle = {3. Symposium Elektronik und Systemintegration ESI 2022: 06. April 2022, Hochschule Landshut}, isbn = {978-3-9818439-7-2}, pages = {52 -- 59}, language = {en} } @misc{Schreiner, author = {Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Miniaturized sensor and actuator elements based on the heat transport in gases or the ionization of gas particles}, series = {16th International Conference on Optical and Electronic Sensors, COE'2020, 29 March - 2 April 2020, Krakow, Poland (online)}, journal = {16th International Conference on Optical and Electronic Sensors, COE'2020, 29 March - 2 April 2020, Krakow, Poland (online)}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KleshchSerbunOrekhovetal., author = {Kleshch, Victor I. and Serbun, Pavel and Orekhov, Anton and L{\"u}tzenkirchen-Hecht, Dirk and Obraztsov, Alexander N. and Prommesberger, Christian and Langer, Christoph and Schreiner, Rupert and Lutzenkirchen-Hecht, Dirk}, title = {Field emission properties of p-type silicon tips decorated with tungsten nanoparticles}, series = {2017 30th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC), 10-14 July 2017, Regensburg, Germany}, booktitle = {2017 30th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC), 10-14 July 2017, Regensburg, Germany}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/IVNC.2017.8051580}, pages = {138 -- 139}, abstract = {An array of conical-shaped p-type silicon tips was fabricated by using reactive ion etching and sharpening oxidation. The apex of each tip was decorated by a tungsten hemispherical nanoparticle. Field emission properties of the tips were measured by a tungsten-needle anode positioned above the tip apex. Tips decorated with tungsten nanoparticles demonstrated a smaller saturation region in current-voltage characteristics compared to the pristine tips. An emission activation process, which consisted in sudden current increase at certain value of applied voltage, was observed for the decorated silicon tips. This behavior was explained by the formation of vertical protrusions extending from the metal particles revealed by scanning electron microscopy after field emission experiments.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WickLindnerZimmeretal., author = {Wick, Michael and Lindner, Gerhard and Zimmer, Katja and Schreiner, Rupert and Fuhrmann, Thomas and Seebauer, Gudrun and Xu, Boqing and Zheng, Jihong and Wang, Ning}, title = {German-Chinese cooperative Bachelor in engineering physics/optoelectronics}, series = {14th Conference on Education and Training in Optics and Photonics: ETOP 2017; Hangzhou, China 29.05.2017 - 31.05.2017}, booktitle = {14th Conference on Education and Training in Optics and Photonics: ETOP 2017; Hangzhou, China 29.05.2017 - 31.05.2017}, editor = {Liu, Xu and Zhang, Xi-Cheng}, publisher = {SPIE}, isbn = {9781510613812}, doi = {10.1117/12.2269943}, abstract = {The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST), the Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts (CUASA) and the OTH Regensburg, University of Applied Sciences (OTHR) established an English taught international cooperative bachelor program in the area of Engineering Physics/Optoelectronics. Students from China study their first four semesters at USST. They continue their studies in Germany for the last three semesters, including an internship and a bachelor thesis, graduating with a Chinese and a German bachelor degree. Students from Germany study their third and fourth semester at USST to gain international experience. While the first cohort of Chinese students is currently in Germany, the second cohort of German students is in Shanghai. Up to now the feedback regarding this study program is completely positive, thus it is planned to develop it further.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KnappLangerPrommesbergeretal., author = {Knapp, Wolfram and Langer, Christoph and Prommesberger, Christian and Lindner, Matthias and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Investigations of the transition from field electron emission to stable plasma discharge in a micro electron source at vacuum pressure}, series = {2017 30th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC), 10-14 July 2017, Regensburg, Germany}, booktitle = {2017 30th International Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference (IVNC), 10-14 July 2017, Regensburg, Germany}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/IVNC.2017.8051594}, pages = {166 -- 167}, abstract = {We report on the transition from field electron emission to plasma discharges. During an experiment with a miniaturized field emission electron source a plasma discharge accompanied by a luminous effect was observed. A novel graphical evaluation method was used to interpret and to compare the observed phenomenon.}, language = {en} } @article{SchreinerSchweizer, author = {Schreiner, Rupert and Schweizer, Heinz C.}, title = {High-frequency operation of 1.57-μm laterally coupled distributed feedback lasers with self-aligned ohmic contacts and nickel surface gratings}, series = {IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics}, volume = {9}, journal = {IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics}, number = {5}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/JSTQE.2003.819469}, pages = {1179 -- 1182}, abstract = {Laterally coupled distributed feedback lasers with self-aligned ohmic contacts show the advantage of a considerably simplified fabrication process. These lasers exhibit superior spectral properties with full benefit from the gain coupling mechanism. Side-mode suppression ratios up to 55- and 3-dB bandwidths beyond 15 GHz were obtained for these devices.}, language = {en} } @article{DamsSchreiner, author = {Dams, Florian and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Influencing factors on the sensitivity of MEMS-based thermal conductivity vacuum gauges}, series = {Journal of vacuum science \& technology A}, volume = {32}, journal = {Journal of vacuum science \& technology A}, number = {3}, publisher = {AVS}, doi = {10.1116/1.4867486}, abstract = {The measurement range of thermal conductivity vacuum gauges is mainly influenced by the sensitivity of the sensing element to variations in pressure. An enhanced definition of sensitivity shows its theoretical dependence on the geometric measures of the sensor element at the whole pressure range. This value gives the possibility of direct comparison between different types of sensor structures without the influence of the operating conditions. To study the influencing factors, sensor chips with heated surfaces in the order of some tens of mm 2 were realized by microelectromechanical systems-based fabrication techniques. By a silicon-glass hybrid process two cold planes were formed in a distance of 150 mu m above and below the heated element. The thermal conductance of devices with different geometric measures was determined in constant temperature operating mode by usage of embedded measurement equipment. In this configuration the sensor signals were sensitive to pressure in a region from 10(-5) mbar. The sensitivity was extracted by a fit of the theoretical model to the measurement data and showed the predicted dependencies on the geometric measures. (C) 2014 American Vacuum Society.}, language = {en} }