@article{SerbunBornmannNavitskietal., author = {Serbun, Pavel and Bornmann, Benjamin and Navitski, Aliaksandr and M{\"u}ller, G{\"u}nter and Prommesberger, Christian and Langer, Christoph and Dams, Florian and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Stable field emission of single B-doped Si tips and linear current scaling of uniform tip arrays for integrated vacuum microelectronic devices}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B Nanotechnology and Microelectronics}, volume = {31}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B Nanotechnology and Microelectronics}, number = {2}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/1.4765088}, abstract = {Advanced Si-based semiconductor technology is most suitable to fabricate uniform nanostructures as integrated field emitter arrays for novel vacuum electronic devices. In order to improve the field emission homogeneity and stability of p-type silicon tip arrays for pulsed sensor applications, the authors have systematically studied the influence of the fabrication parameters on the tip shape and on the specific operating conditions. Based on detailed design calculations of the field enhancement, they have fabricated two series of hexagonal arrays of B-doped Si-tips in a triangular arrangement. The first (second) type contains three (four) patches with different number of tips (1, 91, 547 and 1, 19, 1027, 4447 for the first and second type, respectively) of about 1 (2.5) μm height, ∼20 (20) nm apex radius, and 20 (10) μm pitch. The field emission properties of both individual tips and complete arrays were investigated with a field emission scanning microscope at a pressure of 10-9 mbar. The current plateau of these tips typically occurs at about 10 (3) nA and around 65 (25) V/μm field level. In this carrier saturation range, single tips provide the highest current stability (<5\%) and optical current switching ratio (∼2.5). Fairly homogeneous emission of the tip arrays leads to an undershooting of the expected linear scaling of the mean plateau current as well as to a much improved current stability (<1\%).}, language = {en} } @article{SchelsEdlerHerdletal., author = {Schels, Andreas and Edler, Simon and Herdl, Florian and Hansch, Walter and Bachmann, Michael and Ritter, Daniela and Dudeck, Markus and Duesberg, Felix and Meyer, Manuel and Pahlke, Andreas and Hausladen, Matthias and Buchner, Philipp and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {In situ quantitative field emission imaging using a low-cost CMOS imaging sensor}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {40}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {1}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/6.0001551}, abstract = {Spatially resolved field emission measurements represent an important factor in further development of existing field emitter concepts. In this work, we present a novel approach that allows quantitative analysis of individual emission spots from integral current-voltage measurements using a low-cost and commercially available CMOS camera. By combining different exposure times to extrapolate oversaturated and underexposed pixels, a near congruence of integral current and image brightness is shown. The extrapolation also allows parallel investigation of all individual tips participating in the total current with currents ranging from a few nanoampere to one microampere per tip. The sensitivity, which is determined by the integral brightness-to-current ratio, remains unchanged within the measurement accuracy even after ten full measurement cycles. Using a point detection algorithm, the proportional current load of each individual tip of the field emitter array is analyzed and compared at different times during the initial measurement cycle. Together with the extracted I-V curves of single emission spots from the integral measurement, the results indicate the effect of premature burnout of particularly sharp tips during conditioning of the emitter.}, language = {en} } @article{EdlerSchelsHerdletal., author = {Edler, Simon and Schels, Andreas and Herdl, Florian and Hansch, Walter and Bachmann, Michael and Dudeck, Markus and Duesberg, Felix and Pahlke, Andreas and Hausladen, Matthias and Buchner Philipp, and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Origin of the current saturation level of p-doped silicon field emitters}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {40}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {1}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/6.0001554}, abstract = {Using p-type semiconductors for field emitters is one simple way to realize an integrated current limiter to improve the lifetime of the cathode. In this work, the origin of the current saturation of p-type silicon emitters is investigated in detail. Single emitters are electrically characterized and compared to simulation results. With a simulation model considering a high surface generation rate and elevated tip temperature, a good agreement to the measured data is found. This observation is supported further by alteration of the surface experimentally. Electrical measurements after different treatments in hydrofluoric acid as well as heated and subsequent operation at room temperature are well explained by the influence of surface generation. Furthermore, it is shown that the field penetration leads to a small voltage drop and a strong geometry-dependent reduction of the field enhancement factor.}, language = {en} } @article{BiekerRoustaieSchlaaketal., author = {Bieker, Johannes and Roustaie, Farough and Schlaak, Helmut F. and Langer, Christoph and Schreiner, Rupert and Lotz, Marcel and Wilfert, Stefan}, title = {Field emission characterization of in situ deposited gold nanocones with variable cone densities}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B}, volume = {36}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B}, number = {2}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/1.5009504}, abstract = {For the fabrication of field emitter cathodes with metallic nanocones, an in situ fabrication technique based on electrodeposition in an ion track etched polymer template was used. Three samples with nanocones made of gold and different cone densities were deposited on a circular electrode with a diameter of 2.5 mm, using templates with pore density of 6 × 104, 4 × 105, and 1 × 106 cones/cm2. The cones had a height of 24 μm, a base diameter between 3 and 3.75 μm, and a tip diameter below 500 nm. Integral field emission measurements revealed onset fields of down to 3.1 V/μm and average field enhancement factors of up to 1240. For one sample, the maximum emission current from the cathode reached 142.2 μA at an applied voltage of 338 V between cathode and extraction grid, which had a distance of 50 μm. To investigate the stability of the field emission current, cumulative long-term measurements were performed for over 50 h. A stable emission current of (31.0 ± 1.3) μA at an average applied voltage of 290 V (E = 5.8 V/μm) was observed. For currents above 100 μA, a decrease of the current and therefore a degradation of the emitter structures occurred.}, 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} } @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} } @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} } @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} } @article{DamsNavitskiPrommesbergeretal., author = {Dams, Florian and Navitski, Aliaksandr and Prommesberger, Christian and Serbun, Pavel and Langer, Christoph and M{\"u}ller, G{\"u}nter and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Homogeneous Field Emission Cathodes With Precisely Adjustable Geometry Fabricated by Silicon Technology}, series = {IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices}, volume = {59}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices}, number = {10}, publisher = {IEEE}, issn = {0018-9383}, doi = {10.1109/TED.2012.2206598}, pages = {2832 -- 2837}, abstract = {Silicon-based cathodes with precisely aligned field emitter arrays of sharp tips applicable for miniaturized electron sources were successfully fabricated and characterized. This was made possible by an improved fabrication process using wet thermal oxidation, wet etching, and reactive-ion etching steps with adjustable anisotropy. As substrate materials, both p-doped silicon and n-doped silicon were used. The cathode chips contain about 3 × 10 5 Si tips/cm 2 in a triangular array with tip heights of 2.5 μm, tip radii of less than 30 nm, and spacing of 20 μm. Well-aligned field emission (FE) and excellent homogeneity from all tips (i.e., 100\% efficiency) and maximum stable currents of typically 0.1 μA (0.6 μA) for p (n)-type Si were reproducibly achieved. The current-voltage characteristics of the p-Si tips exhibit the expected saturation at around 10 nA with around ten times better current stability, whereas the n-Si tips show the usual Fowler-Nordheim behavior. Additional coating of the Si tips with 5-nm Cr and 10-nm Au layers resulted in improved stability and at least five times higher average FE current limits (about 3 μA) at about 30\% higher operation voltage.}, language = {en} } @article{TanYeapChowetal., author = {Tan, Pi Lin and Yeap, Guan Yeow and Chow, Wen Shyang and Schreiner, Rupert and Cheong, Kuan Yew}, title = {Effect of Thickness of Porphyrin on Electrical Properties of Organic Devices}, series = {Advanced Materials Research (AMR)}, volume = {1024}, journal = {Advanced Materials Research (AMR)}, publisher = {Trans Tech Publications Ltd.}, address = {Baech}, issn = {1662-8985}, doi = {10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1024.381}, pages = {381 -- 384}, abstract = {The study on electrical properties for both 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethyl-21,23H-porphine Cu (II) (Cu-porphyrin) and 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethyl-21,23H-porphine (porphyrin) thin film, which were fabricated using spin coating method was conducted. Porphyrins were diluted with chloroform of various concentrations (0.05 mg/ml, 0.1 mg/ml, 0.5 mg/ml, 2.0 mg/ml and 3.0 mg/ml). The solution was spin coated on top of glass substrates. A layer of aluminum was evaporated on top of the organic thin film through thermal evaporation and shadow mask was placed on top of the organic thin film where two electrodes with a gap of 50 μm were formed. Surface morphology of the organic thin film was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and profilometer. Different concentrations of organic solutions greatly affected the molecular packing and arrangement order of the organic thin film and thickness of the organic layer and eventually affected electrical properties of the devices.}, language = {en} } @article{LangerBerndtSchreiner, author = {Langer, Christoph and Berndt, Dominik and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Sensitivity of thermal conductivity vacuum gauges for constant current and constant temperature operation}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B: Nanotechnology and Microelectronics}, volume = {40}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B: Nanotechnology and Microelectronics}, number = {5}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/6.0001964}, abstract = {To optimize the measurement range of thermal conductivity vacuum gauges, an expression for the sensitivity is required that takes into account all geometrical, material-specific, and operating parameters. Therefore, equations of the sensor output signal as a function of the pressure for the constant current and the constant temperature mode have been developed analytically. Based on these equations, the sensitivity of the vacuum gauge and its influencing parameters was investigated and discussed. For comparable conditions, the constant temperature operation shows a significantly higher sensitivity for high pressures, while the constant current operation shows higher sensitivity at low pressures. The sensitivity in both the constant current and the constant temperature mode depends on the ratio of the filament surface area and the parasitic thermal conductance. In addition, for the constant current operation, the sensitivity also depends on the current value and the temperature coefficient of the filament resistor. For the constant temperature operation, the sensitivity additionally depends on the distance of the filament and the reference plane. However, to extend the measurement range of a thermal conductivity vacuum gauge toward low pressures, a reduction of the parasitic thermal conductance is mandatory for both the constant current and the constant temperature mode.}, language = {en} } @article{CheongAwKarimovetal., author = {Cheong, Kuan Yew and Aw, Kean and Karimov, Khasan S. and Zhao, Feng and Mahroof-Tahir, Mohammad and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Advances in Smart Materials and Applications}, series = {Advances in Materials Science and Engineering}, journal = {Advances in Materials Science and Engineering}, publisher = {Hindawi}, doi = {10.1155/2014/517342}, abstract = {This is one of a series of special issues published in Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, focusing on the latest advances of smart materials and their applications. Evolution of engineering materials is strongly depending on the growing transformation of complexity in engineering products. New materials being designed are required to provide specific properties and demonstrate certain functional characteristics by manipulating their dimension, chemistry, and structure through various advanced technologies. Therefore, "smartness" of a material has become the topic of interest. Properties of smart materials may change accordingly to the applied external stimuli. Under the direction of the editorial team, we showcase advances of organic and inorganic based smart materials and their applications in areas of specific interest such as energy, environment, and health. A total of 9 articles are published in this special issue. Six articles are focused on production, synthesis, and optimization of smart materials; and the remaining are dedicated to application of smart materials.}, language = {en} } @article{ZahnerSchreinerStierstorferetal., author = {Zahner, Th and Schreiner, Rupert and Stierstorfer, R. and Kus, O. and Li, S. T. and Roessler, R. and Pedarnig, J. D. and B{\"a}uerle, D. and Lengfellner, H.}, title = {Off-diagonal Seebeck effect and anisotropic thermopower in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 thin films}, series = {Europhysics Letters}, volume = {40}, journal = {Europhysics Letters}, number = {6}, publisher = {IOP Sciences}, doi = {10.1209/epl/i1997-00521-4}, pages = {673 -- 678}, abstract = {The anisotropy ΔS of the thermopower in thin films of the high-Tc superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 is investigated using off-c-axis epitaxial film growth and the off-diagonal Seebeck effect. The measurements represent a new method for the investigation of anisotropic transport properties in solids, taking advantage of the availability of oriented grown crystalline thin films instead of using bulk crystals. First results for the temperature dependence ΔS(T) in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 thin films are presented and described within a two-band model. Subjecting the films to heat treatments in different gases at relatively low temperatures, ΔS could reversibly be changed in a wide range.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmidtDenkerDashielletal., author = {Schmidt, Oliver G. and Denker, Ullrich and Dashiell, Michael W. and Jin-Phillipp, Neng Yun and Eberl, Karl and Schreiner, Rupert and Gr{\"a}beldinger, Hedwig and Schweizer, Heinz C. and Christiansen, Silke H. and Ernst, Frank}, title = {Laterally aligned Ge/Si islands: a new concept for faster field-effect transistors}, series = {Materials Science and Engineering B}, volume = {89}, journal = {Materials Science and Engineering B}, number = {1-3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {1873-4944}, doi = {10.1016/S0921-5107(01)00810-8}, pages = {101 -- 105}, abstract = {Self-assembled and coherently strained Ge dots were grown on a Si/SiGe superlattice, which was deposited on a flat Si(001) substrate surface patterned with a regular array of straight trenches. The superlattice translates the surface modulation of the substrate into a strain-field modulation, which causes the Ge dots on its surface to form along straight lines above the buried trenches. This approach provides self-assembled Ge dots with excellent lateral periodicity, which might be useful for fabricating dot-based field-effect-transistors (DotFETs). Here, we propose the concept of a modulation-doped p-channel DotFET (p-MOD-DotFET). The p-MOD-DotFET relies on embedded Ge-rich nanostructures, which provide p-channels through the Ge-rich dots. A high Ge concentration in the dots is desirable in order to exploit the high hole mobility of Ge-rich material. We show that the commonly observed Si-Ge intermixing during Si capping of Ge dots can be suppressed by overgrowing the islands at low temperature.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Berndt, author = {Berndt, Dominik}, title = {Thermische Wasserstoffsensoren f{\"u}r den Automobilbereich}, address = {Regensburg}, abstract = {F{\"u}r den sicheren Betrieb eines Brennstoffzellenfahrzeugs sind Sensoren wichtig, welche die Wasserstoffkonzentration im Fahrzeuginterieur kontinuierlich {\"u}berwachen, um m{\"o}glichen Entz{\"u}ndungen bzw. Explosionen vorzubeugen. Daf{\"u}r wurden von verschiedenen nationalen und internationalen Instanzen bestimmte Kriterien definiert, die Wasserstoffsensoren f{\"u}r einen Einsatz in Brennstoffzellenfahrzeugen erf{\"u}llen m{\"u}ssen. Im Jahr 2020gab es noch keinen einzigen kommerziell erh{\"a}ltlichen Sensor, der alle diese Kriterien bedienen konnte. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde f{\"u}r zwei verschiedene Sensoren die Eignung des thermischen Wirkprinzips f{\"u}r die Detektion von Wasserstoff im Kontext dieser Sicherheitskriterien untersucht. Dabei wurden mit einem MEMS-Sensor und einem Mikrodrahtsensor zwei vergleichsweise einfache Geometrien herangezogen, welche den eindimensionalen und zylindersymmetrischen Fall abbilden sollen. F{\"u}r zwei dynamische Operationsmodi (gepulste Str{\"o}me und 3ω-Methode) wurden darauf aufbauend analytische Modelle basierend auf vereinfachten Sensorgeometrien entwickelt, um die Temperaturentwicklung des Sensorelements in Abh{\"a}ngigkeit der Zeit zu charakterisieren. Diese Studien wurden anschließend anhand von detaillierteren Modellen mithilfe von FEM-Simulationen erg{\"a}nzt und spezifiziert. Darin konnte gezeigt werden, dass f{\"u}r den gepulsten Betrieb sowohl die Pulsh{\"o}he als auch die Zeitkonstante des gemessenen Widerstands- bzw. Temperaturpulses als Messgr{\"o}ße herangezogen werden kann. Beim 3ω-Betrieb konnte zudem eine starke Frequenzabh{\"a}ngigkeit dieser Widerstands- bzw. Temperaturcharakteristik beobachtet werden. Die analytischen und numerischen Studien wurden anschließend durch experimentelle Ergebnisse best{\"a}tigt. Im Hinblick auf die zuvor definierten Kriterien stellte sich heraus, dass die Auswertung der Zeitkonstante beim gepulsten Betrieb im Hinblick auf Sensitivit{\"a}t und Aufl{\"o}sungsgrenze der Auswertung der Pulsh{\"o}he deutlich unterlegen ist. Beim 3ω-Betrieb k{\"o}nnen durch die hochintegrierte Messumgebung deutlich h{\"o}here Genauigkeiten und Aufl{\"o}sungsgrenzen erzielt werden. F{\"u}r den MEMS-Sensor wurde bei einer Anregungsfrequenz von 1 Hz mit 55 ppm die bislang geringste in der Literatur berichtete Aufl{\"o}sungsgrenze f{\"u}r einen thermischen Wasserstoffsensor erreicht. Der Leistungsverbrauch ist dabei im Vergleich zum Pulsbetrieb entsprechend des jeweiligen Tastgrads leicht bis m{\"a}ßig erh{\"o}ht, die Ansprechzeit wird bei beiden Operationsmodi maßgeblich durch die Sensorgeometrie beeinflusst. Die geometrischen Parameter der jeweiligen Sensoren haben ferner einen starken Einfluss auf die Sensitivit{\"a}t, womit die Divergenz in der Performance von MEMS-Chip und Drahtsensor erkl{\"a}rt werden kann. Es besteht ferner eine starke Temperatur- und Feuchtigkeitsabh{\"a}ngigkeit des Sensorsignals, welches bei beiden Operationsmodi indirekt proportional zur W{\"a}rmeleitf{\"a}higkeit des betrachteten Gasgemischs ist. Die Abh{\"a}ngigkeit vom definierten Umgebungsdruck ist lediglich f{\"u}r die Zeitkonstante relevant, bei der Pulsh{\"o}he besteht keine Druckabh{\"a}ngigkeit. Es konnte eine grunds{\"a}tzliche Eignung des thermischen Messprinzips f{\"u}r den Einsatz eines Wasserstoffsensors im Automobilbereich festgestellt werden. F{\"u}r eine Anwendung m{\"u}ssen allerdings Referenzsensoren f{\"u}r Temperatur, Feuchtigkeit und Druck implementiert werden und eine Kalibrierung in Abh{\"a}ngigkeit dieser Gr{\"o}ßen erfolgen. Der 3ωBetrieb ist aufgrund der h{\"o}heren Genauigkeit zu bevorzugen. W{\"a}hrend der MEMSSensor im Hinblick auf Sensitivit{\"a}t, Ansprechzeit und Leistungsaufnahme gut abschneidet, liegen die Vorteile des Mikrodrahtsensors in seiner Robustheit und der vergleichsweise einfachen Realisierbarkeit}, subject = {Kraftfahrzeugtechnik}, language = {de} } @article{HausladenBuchnerBartletal., author = {Hausladen, Matthias and Buchner, Philipp and Bartl, Mathias and Bachmann, Michael and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Integrated multichip field emission electron source fabricated by laser-micromachining and MEMS technology}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {42}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {1}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/6.0003233}, abstract = {In this work, high-current field emission electron source chips were fabricated using laser-micromachining and MEMS technology. The resulting chips were combined with commercially available printed circuit boards (PCBs) to obtain a multichip electron source. By controlling the separate electron sources using an external current control circuit, we were able to divide the desired total current evenly across the individual chips deployed in the PCB-carrier. In consequence, we were able to show a decreased degradation due to the reduced current load per chip. First, a single electron source chip was measured without current regulation. A steady-state emission current of 1 mA with a high stability of ±1.3\% at an extraction voltage of 250 V was observed. At this current level, a mean degradation slope of -0.7 μA/min with a nearly perfect transmission ratio of 99\% ± 0.4\% was determined. The measurements of a fully assembled multichip PCB-carrier electron source, using a current control circuit for regulation, showed that an even distribution of the desired total current led to a decreased degradation. This was determined by the increase in the required extraction voltage over time. For this purpose, two current levels were applied to the electron source chips of the PCB-carrier using an external current control circuit. First, 300 μA total current was evenly distributed among the individual electron source chips followed by the emission of 300 μA per electron source chip. This allows the observation of the influence of a distributed and nondistributed total current, carried by the electron source chips. Thereby, we obtained an increase in the mean degradation slope from +0.011 V/min (300 μA distributed) to +0.239 V/min (300 μA per chip), which is approximately 21 times higher. Moreover, our current control circuit improved the current stability to under 0.1\% for both current levels, 300 μA distributed and 300 μA per chip.}, language = {en} } @article{RemškarJelencCzepurnyietal., author = {Remškar, Maja and Jelenc, Janez and Czepurnyi, Nikolai and Malok, Matjaž and Pirker, Luka and Schreiner, Rupert and H{\"u}ttel, Andreas K.}, title = {Modulations of the work function and morphology of a single MoS2 nanotube by charge injection}, series = {Nanoscale Advances}, journal = {Nanoscale Advances}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)}, issn = {2516-0230}, doi = {10.1039/d4na00490f}, abstract = {Both the miniaturization of transistor components and the ongoing investigation of material systems with potential for quantum information processing have significantly increased current interest of researchers in semiconducting inorganic nanotubes. Here we report on an additional outstanding aspect of these nanostructures, namely the intrinsic coupling of electronic and mechanical properties. We observe electronic and morphology changes in a single MoS2 nanotube, exposed to charge injections by means of an atomic-force-microscopy tip. An elliptic deformation of the nanotube and helical twisting of the nanotube are visible, consistent with the reverse piezoelectric effect. Work-function changes are found to be dependent on the polarity of the injected carriers. An unexpected long-term persistence of the shape deformations is observed and explained with accumulation of structural defects and the resultant strain, which could cause a memory-like charge confinement and a long lasting modulation of the work function.}, language = {en} } @article{LindnerPipaKarpenetal., author = {Lindner, Matthias and Pipa, Andrei V. and Karpen, Norbert and Hink, R{\"u}diger and Berndt, Dominik and Foest, R{\"u}diger and Bonaccurso, Elmar and Weichwald, Robert and Friedberger, Alois and Caspari, Ralf and Brandenburg, Ronny and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Icing Mitigation by MEMS-Fabricated Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {11}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {23}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/app112311106}, pages = {1 -- 17}, abstract = {Avoiding ice accumulation on aerodynamic components is of enormous importance to flight safety. Novel approaches utilizing surface dielectric barrier discharges (SDBDs) are expected to be more efficient and effective than conventional solutions for preventing ice accretion on aerodynamic components. In this work, the realization of SDBDs based on thin-film substrates by means of micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) technology is presented. The anti-icing performance of the MEMS SDBDs is presented and compared to SDBDs manufactured by printed circuit board (PCB) technology. It was observed that the 35 mu m thick electrodes of the PCB SDBDs favor surface icing with an initial accumulation of supercooled water droplets at the electrode impact edges. This effect was not observed for 0.3 mu m thick MEMS-fabricated electrodes indicating a clear advantage for MEMS-technology SDBDs for anti-icing applications. Titanium was identified as the most suitable material for MEMS electrodes. In addition, an optimization of the MEMS-SDBDs with respect to the dielectric materials as well as SDBD design is discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{PrommesbergerBachmannDuesbergetal., author = {Prommesberger, Christian and Bachmann, Michael and D{\"u}sberg, Felix and Langer, Christoph and Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Hofmann, Martin and Pahlke, Andreas and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Regulation of the Transmitted Electron Flux in a Field-Emission Electron Source Demonstrated on Si Nanowhisker Cathodes}, series = {IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices}, volume = {64}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices}, number = {12}, publisher = {IEEE}, issn = {5128-5133}, doi = {10.1109/TED.2017.2763239}, abstract = {We report on a method to stabilize the transmitted electron flux in a field-emission electron source using an external regulation circuit. The electron source was realized with an array of silicon (Si) nanowhiskers on the top of elongated pillar structures, a mica spacer, and an extraction grid made of Si. As for most applications, the emitted electron current from the cathode is not as crucial as the transmitted electron flux through the extraction grid toward the anode. We investigated a method which allows the regulation directly by the emitted electron flux and not merely on the cathode current. By using this method, we were able to stabilize the emitted electron flux of our electron source down to values below 1\%. Simultaneously, it was shown that there is the possibility to stabilize the influencing value in the real application as well. The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated successfully with an X-ray source setup. The measured X-ray photon count rate was stabilized to a standard deviation of 0.30\% at a pressure of 1 × 10 -7 mbar. Even in harsh environment of 2 × 10 -5 mbar, a stabilization of the X-ray photon count rate down to a value of 0.63\% was achieved.}, language = {en} } @article{LangerBomkeHausladenetal., author = {Langer, Christoph and Bomke, Vitali and Hausladen, Matthias and Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Prommesberger, Christian and Bachmann, Michael and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Silicon Chip Field Emission Electron Source Fabricated by Laser Micromachining}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {38}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {1}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/1.5134872}, abstract = {The components for a silicon chip electron source were fabricated by laser micromachining using pulsed laser ablation and wet chemical cleaning and etching dips. The field emission electron source consists of a silicon field emission cathode with 4 × 4 conical shaped emitters with a height of 250 μm and a tip radius of about 50 nm, a 50 μm thick laser-structured mica spacer, and a silicon grid electrode with a grid periodicity of 200 μm and a bar width of 50 μm. These three components are combined to a single chip with the size of 14 × 10 mm2 and the thickness of 1 mm to form the electron source. Several of these devices were characterized in ultrahigh vacuum. Onset voltages of about 165 V and cathode currents of about 15 μA for voltages lower than 350 V were observed. Operating the electron source with an anode voltage of 500 V and an extraction grid voltage of 300 V yielded a cathode current of 4.5 μA ± 8.9\%, an anode current of 4.0 μA ± 9.6\%, and a corresponding grid transmittance of 89\%. Regulating the anode current by the extraction grid voltage, an extremely stable anode current of 5.0 μA ± 0.017\% was observed. A long-term measurement over 120 h was performed, and no significant degradation or failure was observed.}, language = {en} } @article{BreuerBachmannDuesbergetal., author = {Breuer, Janis and Bachmann, Michael and D{\"u}sberg, Felix and Pahlke, Andreas and Edler, Simon and Langer, Christoph and Prommesberger, Christian and Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Schreiner, Rupert and Serbun, Pavel and L{\"u}tzenkirchen-Hecht, Dirk}, title = {Extraction of the current distribution out of saturated integral measurement data of p-type silicon field emitter arrays}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B}, volume = {36}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B}, number = {5}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/1.5035189}, abstract = {At the moment, only complicated techniques are known for the determination of array properties of field emitter arrays such as the number of active tips, the current distribution, or the individual tip radii. In this work, a method for extracting these parameters from integral measurement data is presented. A model describing the characteristics of a single emitter, including the saturation as a function of the applied voltage and the emitter radius, is developed. It is shown that experimental data of field emitter arrays can be represented as the sum of these functions and the characteristic parameters can be fitted to field emission data of an array. Using this method, the values of the radii as well as the parameters of distribution models can be determined directly. Analysis of experimental data from p-type Si emitter arrays shows that only 1-2\% of the tips contribute significantly.}, language = {en} } @article{EdlerBachmannBreueretal., author = {Edler, Simon and Bachmann, Michael and Breuer, Janis and Dams, Florian and D{\"u}sberg, Felix and Hofmann, Martin and Jakšič, Jasna and Pahlke, Andreas and Langer, Christoph and Ławrowski, Robert Damian 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 = {Journal of Applied Physics}, volume = {122}, journal = {Journal of Applied Physics}, doi = {10.1063/1.4987134}, abstract = {In the present work, black-silicon field emitter arrays (FEAs) are investigated regarding the influence of residual gas pressure on the characteristics and lifetime in the high voltage triode setup. Current-voltage-characteristics at different pressure levels are recorded and show a decreasing emission current with rising pressure. This decrease can be explained by an increase of the work function and charging of the emitter surface caused by adsorbates. The emission current can be restored to its initial value by heating of the FEA up to 110 °C during active emission. With this regeneration procedure, an extended lifetime from about 20 h to 440 h at a residual gas pressure of 10-5 mbar is achieved.}, language = {en} } @article{LangerPrommesbergerŁawrowskietal., author = {Langer, Christoph and Prommesberger, Christian and Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Schreiner, Rupert and Serbun, Pavel and M{\"u}ller, G{\"u}nter and D{\"u}sberg, Felix and Hofmann, Martin and Bachmann, Michael and Pahlke, Andreas}, title = {Field emission properties of p-type black silicon on pillar structures}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {34}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1116/1.4943919}, abstract = {Arrays of black silicon field emission pillar structures were fabricated on p-type silicon substrates. Two types of samples with the same number of pillars (arrays of 10 × 10) but different pillar heights (8 and 20 μm) were prepared as well as a black silicon reference sample without pillars. The field emission properties of these cathodes were investigated both by means of integral current-voltage measurements and by field emission scanning microscopy. Samples with a pillar height of 20 μm revealed onset fields as low as 6.4 V/μm, field enhancement factors up to 800, and emission currents up to 8 μA at an applied field of 20 V/μm. Due to the p-type material, a saturation of the emission current for fields above 11 V/μm was observed. This saturation leads to a stable operation with a current fluctuation of less than ±8\%. It was found that samples with a pillar height of 20 μm showed improved emission characteristics compared to samples with a pillar height of 8 μm or without pillars. The voltage maps revealed an increased emission homogeneity after a "burn-in" sequence of the sample. The current map showed that a few of the pillars dominate the emission. Integral current stability measurements were performed under different vacuum pressures, in order to investigate altered emission behavior and a potential degradation of the emitters. At pressures above 10-6 mbar, the sample starts to degrade irreversibly. Nevertheless, even after a harsh treatment over 30 min at 5 × 10-5 mbar and at an applied field of 23 V/μm, the cathode was still operating, and did not fail during further operation over 20 h at 5 × 10-8 mbar and at an applied field of 28 V/μm.}, language = {en} } @article{BachmannDamsDuesbergetal., author = {Bachmann, Michael and Dams, Florian and D{\"u}sberg, Felix and Hofmann, Martin and Pahlke, Andreas and Langer, Christoph and Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Prommesberger, Christian and Schreiner, Rupert and Serbun, Pavel and L{\"u}tzenkirchen-Hecht, Dirk and M{\"u}ller, G{\"u}nter}, title = {Extraction of the characteristics of current-limiting elements from field emission measurement data}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {35}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1116/1.4971768}, abstract = {In this contribution, the authors will present an algorithm to extract the characteristics of nonideal field emission circuit elements from saturation-limited field emission measurement data. The method for calculating the voltage drop on current-limiting circuit elements is based on circuit theory as well as Newton's method. Since the only assumption the authors make on the current-limiting circuit is a connection in series, this method is applicable to most field emission data showing saturation. To be able to determine the significance of any parameter output, the uncertainties of data and extracted parameters as well as the parameter correlations are fully taken into account throughout the algorithm. N-type silicon samples with varying external serial resistors are analyzed. All results show a good agreement to the nominal resistor values. Additionally, several p-type samples are analyzed, showing a diodelike behavior. The extracted current-limiting characteristics of the p-type samples are in good agreement with a pn-junction model. The stability of the emission current of the p-type samples is measured by constant voltage measurements and compared to the extracted current-limiting characteristics. The application of the algorithm to measurement data shows that the given algorithm is a valuable tool to analyze field emission measurement data influenced by nonemissive processes.}, language = {en} } @article{PrommesbergerLangerŁawrowskietal., author = {Prommesberger, Christian and Langer, Christoph and Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Investigations on the long-term performance of gated p-type silicon tip arrays with reproducible and stable field emission behavior}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {35}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1116/1.4972519}, abstract = {The authors report on the fabrication and characterization of p-type Si tip arrays with an integrated gate electrode for applications as field emission electron sources. After the reactive ion etching of the emitters, the combined thermal dry and wet oxidation was used for both the sharpening of the emitters and for the realization of an enhanced insulation layer. Au was evaporated in a self-aligned process as gate electrode. Arrays of 16 Si tips were fabricated with tip heights of about 3 μm and tip radii of about 20 nm with integrated gate electrode concentrically positioned ≈2 μm below the tip apex. Integral measurements with an additional anode showed improved field emission properties with a reproducible and stable emission behavior. A fast activation of the tips, low onset voltages of about 30 V, and moderate field emission currents up to 0.55 μA were noticed. The field emission parameters were calculated using the Fowler-Nordheim characteristics. A pronounced saturation regime was observed, and current fluctuations of less than ±1\% were investigated for 30 min. Long-term measurements were carried out for a period of more than 8 h. In the first 6 h of operation, the authors observed a drift of the emission current from 0.35 to 0.55 μA caused by an increased emission surface.}, language = {en} } @article{ŁawrowskiHausladenBuchneretal., author = {Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Hausladen, Matthias and Buchner, Philipp and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Silicon Field Emission Electron Source With Individually Controllable Single Emitters}, series = {IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices}, volume = {68}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices}, number = {8}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/TED.2021.3093374}, pages = {4116 -- 4122}, abstract = {An electron source with an array of individually controllable single tips allows the observation of each emitter current simultaneously as well as the measurement of the integral current. Furthermore, the initial activation process of the individual tips and current distribution of the source can be examined. The Si cathode consists of an array of 2 x 2 conically shaped emitter structures on a borosilicate glass substrate. The emitters were fabricated by laser micromachining and wet etching. Integral field emission (FE) measurements were performed in a diode configuration in a vacuum chamber at pressures of about 10(-9) mbar with a self-aligned Si extraction grid, due to adjustment pins. The total emission current was regulated to a predefined value (4.0, 10, 20, 40, and 50 mu A) by an external regulating circuit and recorded individually during the measurement. The onset voltage for a current of 1 nA varied between 320 and 430 V. The voltage conversion factor is in the range of 7.6 x 10(4) cm(-1) to 1.3 x 10(5) cm(-1). Constant currentmeasurementsover a longer periodof time (1800 values with a sample rate of 0.5 Hz) were performed and show a total current fluctuation less than 0.6\% due to the regulation circuit. Despite the stable total current in regulated operation, it was observed that the individual emitters fluctuate up to 75\% for low (similar to 10(-8) A) and 5\% for high (similar to 10(-5) A) currents.}, language = {en} } @article{BachmannDuesbergPahlkeetal., author = {Bachmann, Michael and D{\"u}sberg, Felix and Pahlke, Andreas and Edler, Simon and Schels, Andreas and Herdl, Florian and Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {High current silicon nanowire field emitter arrays}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {40}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {1}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/6.0001639}, abstract = {Arrays of n-doped silicon nanowire field emitters with a high aspect ratio are realized by a novel dry etching technique. Compared to the high current silicon emitters in the literature, the manufacturing process is much simpler and requires only a single photolithography step and two dry etching steps. The cathodes realized with this method exhibit a total current of 20 mA from an active area of 4×4 mm2, which is significantly higher than that for most known structures made from silicon and also represents good performance in comparison with other emitter types, e.g., carbon nanotubes. In addition to characterization in ultrahigh vacuum, measurements at 10-5 mbar are performed and compared with our recent silicon emitters. Compared to these cathodes, the structures with the nanowires exhibit at least two orders of magnitude higher current-carrying capability.}, language = {en} } @article{RemskarHuettelShubinaetal., author = {Remskar, Maja and H{\"u}ttel, Andreas K. and Shubina, Tatiana V. and Seabaugh, Alan and Fathipour, Sara and Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Confinement Related Phenomena in MoS2 Tubular Structures Grown from Vapour Phase}, series = {Israel Journal of Chemistry}, volume = {62}, journal = {Israel Journal of Chemistry}, number = {3-4}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1869-5868}, doi = {10.1002/ijch.202100100}, pages = {1 -- 11}, abstract = {We review recently discovered phenomena observed in the MoS2 tubular structures, which were synthesized by a lasting chemical transport reaction nearly at chemical equilibrium. Such MoS2 nanotubes are distinguished by low density of structural defects, thin walls and a high aspect ratio, which intrinsically provide a confined, edge-free geometry. Quantum confinement with single electron conductance was recorded and a bright exciton photoluminescence with appearance of whispering gallery modes was observed. In addition, the field-effect transistors and field emitters based on single MoS2 nanotubes were demonstrated. These discoveries revitalize research of MoS2 curved structures grown from vapour phase, which were reported several decades ago.}, language = {en} } @article{BachmannDuesbergLangeretal., author = {Bachmann, Michael and D{\"u}sberg, Felix and Langer, Christoph and Herdl, Florian and Bergbreiter, Lukas and Dams, Florian and Miyakawa, Natuski and Eggert, Tobias and Pahlke, Andreas and Edler, Simon and Prommesberger, Christian and Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Hausladen, Matthias and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Vacuum-sealed field emission electron gun}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {38}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {2}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/1.5139316}, abstract = {A compact vacuum-sealed field emission electron gun with an operation voltage below 5 kV is presented. With a 150 nm thick pyrolytic carbon membrane, a transmission of 40\% at 5 kV is obtained. For more than 2500 h of continuous operation at an emission current of 100 nA, no significant increase (<50V ) and almost no degradation were found. From this measurement, a lifetime of more than 10 000 h at continuous operation with approximately a linear increase of the extraction voltage from about 545 V to about 730 V is predicted. This electron source enables application of field emitter arrays in poor vacuum or even ambient pressure. ACKNOWLEDGMENT This work was supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy under Project No. ZF4081502GM8. C.P., R.L., M.H., and R.S. were supported by Grant No. ZF4562901GM8.}, language = {en} } @article{ŁawrowskiBachmannSchreiner, author = {Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Bachmann, Michael and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Field emission arrays from graphite fabricated by laser micromachining}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {40}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {2}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/6.0001547}, abstract = {Laser micro structuring allows the manufacturing of conical shaped emitters on a graphitized carbon substrate without any additional treatment. Integral field emission measurements were performed in a diode configuration with a 50 µm mica spacer and a metalized Si-grid in a vacuum chamber at pressures of about 10-9 mbar. Emission currents up to 10 µA at a voltage of 1000 V (11 MV/m) with a positive current drift were observed for an array of 16 emitters. A strong modification of the emitter tip is noticeable after individual measurements. A comparable alteration of the surface is also achieved by an electrochemical treatment of the samples with a potassium hydroxide solution. However, the IV-measurements of such samples show higher onset voltages, but also higher integral emission currents. For all arrays an ideal FN behaviour is only noticeable at applied voltages below 625 V (7 MV/m). Numerical calculations indicate that the deviation in the FN-plot for higher voltage values is caused by the change of the effective work function.}, language = {en} } @article{ŁawrowskiPrommesbergerLangeretal., author = {Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Prommesberger, Christian and Langer, Christoph and Dams, Florian and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Improvement of Homogenity and Aspect Ratio of Silicon Tips for Field Emission by Reactive-Ion Etching}, series = {Advances in materials science and engineering}, volume = {2014}, journal = {Advances in materials science and engineering}, publisher = {Hindawi}, doi = {10.1155/2014/948708}, abstract = {The homogeneity of emitters is very important for the performance of field emission (FE) devices. Reactive-ion etching (RIE) and oxidation have significant influences on the geometry of silicon tips. The RIE influences mainly the anisotropy of the emitters. Pressure has a strong impact on the anisotropic factor. Reducing the pressure results in a higher anisotropy, but the etch rate is also lower. A longer time of etching compensates this effect. Furthermore an improvement of homogeneity was observed. The impact of uprating is quite low for the anisotropic factor, but significant for the homogeneity. At low power the height and undercut of the emitters are more constant over the whole wafer. The oxidation itself is very homogeneous and has no observable effect on further variation of the homogeneity. This modified fabrication process allows solving the problem of inhomogeneity of previous field emission arrays.}, language = {en} } @article{ŁawrowskiPrommesbergerLangeretal., author = {Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Prommesberger, Christian and Langer, Christoph and Dams, Florian and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Improvement of Homogeneity and Aspect Ratio of Silicon Tips for Field Emission by Reactive-Ion Etching}, series = {Advances in Materials Science and Engineering. Special issue: Advances in Smart Materials and Applications}, volume = {2014}, journal = {Advances in Materials Science and Engineering. Special issue: Advances in Smart Materials and Applications}, publisher = {Hindawi}, issn = {1687-8442}, doi = {10.1155/2014/948708}, pages = {1 -- 6}, abstract = {The homogeneity of emitters is very important for the performance of field emission (FE) devices. Reactive-ion etching (RIE) and oxidation have significant influences on the geometry of silicon tips. The RIE influences mainly the anisotropy of the emitters. Pressure has a strong impact on the anisotropic factor. Reducing the pressure results in a higher anisotropy, but the etch rate is also lower. A longer time of etching compensates this effect. Furthermore an improvement of homogeneity was observed. The impact of uprating is quite low for the anisotropic factor, but significant for the homogeneity. At low power the height and undercut of the emitters are more constant over the whole wafer. The oxidation itself is very homogeneous and has no observable effect on further variation of the homogeneity. This modified fabrication process allows solving the problem of inhomogeneity of previous field emission arrays.}, language = {en} } @incollection{ŁawrowskiPrommesbergerLangeretal., author = {Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Prommesberger, Christian and Langer, Christoph and Dams, Florian and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Feldemissionselektronenquellen basierend auf Siliziumemittern mit hohen Aspektverh{\"a}ltnis}, series = {Forschungsbericht der OTH Regensburg 2013}, booktitle = {Forschungsbericht der OTH Regensburg 2013}, address = {Regensburg}, pages = {47 -- 48}, language = {de} } @article{LindnerPipaBrandenburgetal., author = {Lindner, Matthias and Pipa, Andrei V. and Brandenburg, Ronny and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Expansion of surface barrier discharge scrutinized}, series = {Plasma Sources Science and Technology}, volume = {31}, journal = {Plasma Sources Science and Technology}, number = {10}, publisher = {IOP Publishing}, doi = {10.1088/1361-6595/ac95bf}, abstract = {Developing the fundamentals for the electrical diagnostics of surface dielectric barrier discharges (SDBDs) is of enormous importance for several applications, for example, flow control and gas cleaning. The main challenge is to account for the discharge expansion along the dielectric surface. Typically, a linear expansion with the amplitude of the applied voltage is observed. In this work, we report on a step-wise SDBD expansion along the Al 2 O 3 dielectric surface. More specific, the discharge occupied a certain area after ignition, which remained constant until the voltage exceeded the critical amplitude V L . This absence of expansion is seen as a linear dependence of the discharge power on the applied voltage and it was additionally confirmed by photographs with long exposure times. This novel phenomenon is more pronounced for thicker dielectrics. It is suggested that the derivative of the charge-voltage characteristics can be used for the determination of all essential parameters of the simplest equivalent circuit of SDBDs. Moreover, it was shown that the derivative of the charge-voltage characteristics for the positive half-cycle of the discharge agrees numerically with the voltage dependence of the reactor capacitance derived from photographs. This agreement between both measurement methods indicates a similar step-wise expansion of the SDBD even if a voltage amplitude above V L is applied. …}, language = {en} } @article{BornmannMingelsDamsetal., author = {Bornmann, Benjamin and Mingels, Stephan and Dams, Florian and Prommesberger, Christian and Schreiner, Rupert and L{\"u}tzenkirchen-Hecht, Dirk and M{\"u}ller, G{\"u}nter}, title = {Electron spectrometer in adjustable triode configuration for photo-induced field emission measurements}, series = {The Review of scientific instruments}, volume = {83}, journal = {The Review of scientific instruments}, number = {1}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Melville, NY}, doi = {10.1063/1.3673475}, abstract = {We have constructed a new ultrahigh vacuum apparatus with a triode configuration for the systematic investigation of photo-induced field emission (PFE) from metallic or semiconducting cathodes. These are exposed to electric fields up to 400 MV∕m and laser irradiation by means of hole or mesh gates. Cathodes and gates are in situ exchangeable and adjustable with high precision to ensure a homogeneous extraction of electrons which are partially transmitted to the fixed electron spectrometer. Its hemispherical sector analyzer provides an energy resolution limit of 8 meV. The commissioning of the measurement system has been performed with a tungsten needle. Its temperature showed up in the high-energy tail of the electron spectrum, while its work function was derived from the spectral low-energy part combined with the integral current-voltage curve. First PFE measurements on B-doped Si-tip arrays yielded a small field emission current increase under green laser illumination. A shift and splitting of the energy spectra was observed which revealed different emission regimes as well as the photosensitivity of the cathode due to carrier excitation into the conduction band. For the full exploitation of the PFE system, a tunable laser over a wide eV-range is required.}, language = {en} } @article{ŁawrowskiPirkerKanekoetal., author = {Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Pirker, Luka and Kaneko, Keita and Kokubo, Hiroki and Bachmann, Michael and Ikuno, Takashi and Remskar, Maja and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Field emission from nanotubes and flakes of transition metal dichalcogenides}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B}, volume = {38}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B}, number = {3}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/1.5140474}, pages = {032801}, abstract = {Transition metal dichalcogenides such as MoS2 and WS2 are low-dimensional semiconductor materials. MoS2 and WS2 nanotubes and flakes were grown by a chemical transport reaction under a temperature gradient. I2 was used as a transport agent for previously synthesized MoS2 and WS2, respectively. These multilayered nanotubes are indirect bandgap semiconductors with a bandgap depending on their diameter. WS2 flakes were prepared by the sulfurization of thin WOx flakes. To increase the field enhancement of such low-dimensional structures by a higher aspect ratio, two approaches were examined: (a) the MoS2 and WS2 nanotubes were attached individually by a focused ion beam with Pt on dry etched n-type Si pillars and (b) the WS2 flakes were grown directly on the surface of the (n-type and p-type) Si pillars. Integral field emission measurements were performed in a diode configuration with a 50 μm mica spacer in a vacuum chamber at pressures of about 10-9 mbar. At a voltage of 900 V (18 MV/m), the integral emission current from the nanotubes is up to 11 μA for the lateral mounted MoS2 and about 1.3 μA (1.0 μA) for the upright mounted WS2 (MoS2). The onset voltage for a current of 1 nA is about 550 V for MoS2 and 500 V for WS2, respectively. The voltage conversion factor is in the range of 6 × 104-8 × 104 cm-1 for the nanotubes. The mounted MoS2 flakes show a field emission current of about 6 μA at 18 MV/m in contrast to the directly grown WS2 flakes, which show a pronounced saturation regime and, therefore, a lower emission current of about 0.5 μA is reached at 1500 V (25 MV/m). The WS2 flakes show a two times higher (1 × 105 cm-1) voltage conversion factor in comparison to the MoS2 flakes (5 × 104 cm-1). The extracted characteristics of the current-limiting part show a difference in the behavior of the extracted current-limiting characteristics between the lateral (linear) and upright mounted (exponential) nanotubes and the MoS2 flakes. In contrast, the WS2 flakes show charge carrier depletion effects.}, language = {en} } @article{KleshchSerbunLuetzenkirchenHechtetal., author = {Kleshch, Victor I. and Serbun, Pavel and L{\"u}tzenkirchen-Hecht, Dirk and Orekhov, Anton and Ivanov, Victor E. and Prommesberger, Christian and Langer, Christoph and Schreiner, Rupert and Obraztsov, Alexander N.}, title = {A Comparative Study of Field Emission from Pristine, Ion-treated and Tungsten Nanoparticle-decorated p-type Silicon Tips}, series = {Physica Status Solidi B}, volume = {256}, journal = {Physica Status Solidi B}, number = {9}, publisher = {Wiley}, doi = {10.1002/pssb.201800646}, abstract = {The field electron emission characteristics of individual tips of a silicon field emitter array are analyzed. The array of conical-shaped tips is fabricated on a p-type silicon wafer by using reactive ion etching and sharpening oxidation. The tips are decorated with single tungsten nanoparticles at their apexes. Furthermore, the focused ion beam is also used to increase surface conductivity of some of the tips. Comparative measurements of field emission are performed by using the scanning anode probe field emission microscopy technique. All types of tips demonstrated emission activation consisting of a sudden current increase at a certain value of the applied voltage. Compared to the pristine tips, a noticeable reduction of the saturation effect in the current-voltage characteristics and a smaller light sensitivity for the decorated tips is found. For ion-treated tips, saturation effects and light sensitivity are completely suppressed. Scanning electron microscopy observations reveal the formation of single nanoscale protrusions extending from the metal particles and from the apexes of bare ion-treated tips after exposure under strong electric fields during the field emission measurements. The influence of protrusions growth on characteristics of silicon field emitter arrays is discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{MingelsPorshynPrommesbergeretal., author = {Mingels, Stephan and Porshyn, Vitali and Prommesberger, Christian and Langer, Christoph and Schreiner, Rupert and L{\"u}tzenkirchen-Hecht, Dirk and M{\"u}ller, G{\"u}nter}, title = {Photosensitivity of p-type black Si field emitter arrays}, series = {Journal of Applied Physics}, volume = {119}, journal = {Journal of Applied Physics}, number = {16}, doi = {10.1063/1.4948328}, abstract = {We have investigated the properties of black Si field emitter arrays under strong electric fields and laser illumination. A low onset field of 1.8 MV/m for an emission current of 1 nA was obtained. A pronounced saturation region of the dark and photo-enhanced current was observed, which provided a short-term stability of 0.1\% at 0.4 μA and 0.7\% at 1.0 μA, respectively. As maximum value for the photosensitivity, an on-off current switching ratio of 43 reaching about 13 μA was achieved at a laser power of 15 mW. Electron spectra in the dark and under laser illumination are presented, showing a current and light-sensitive voltage drop across the emitters as well as hints for hot electron emission.}, language = {en} } @article{PirkerŁawrowskiSchreineretal., author = {Pirker, Luka and Ławrowski, Robert Damian and Schreiner, Rupert and Remškar, Maja and Višić, Bojana}, title = {MoₓWₓ₋₁S₂ Nanotubes for Advanced Field Emission Application}, series = {Advanced Functional Materials}, journal = {Advanced Functional Materials}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1616-3028}, doi = {10.1002/adfm.202213869}, pages = {1 -- 8}, abstract = {Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanotubes complement the field of low-dimensional materials with their quasi-1D morphology and a wide set of intriguing properties. By introducing different transition metals into the crystal structure, their properties can be tailored for specific purpose and applications. Herein, the characterization and a subsequent preparation of single-nanotube field emission devices of MoxWx-1S2 nanotubes prepared via the chemical vapor transport reaction is presented. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction indicate that the molybdenum and tungsten atoms are randomly distributed within the crystal structure and that the material is highly crystalline. High resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction (ED) patterns further corroborate these findings. A detailed analysis of the ED patterns from an eight-layer nanotube reveal that the nanotubes grow in the 2H structure, with each shell consists of one bilayer. The work function of the nanotubes is comparable to that of pure MoS2 and lower of pure WS2 NTs, making them ideal candidates for field emission applications. Two devices with different geometrical setup are prepared and tested as field emitters, showing promising results for single nanotube field emission applications.}, language = {en} } @article{SchelsHerdlHausladenetal., author = {Schels, Andreas and Herdl, Florian and Hausladen, Matthias and Wohlfartsst{\"a}tter, Dominik and Edler, Simon and Bachmann, Michael and Pahlke, Andreas and Schreiner, Rupert and Hansch, Walter}, title = {Quantitative Field Emission Imaging for Studying the Doping-Dependent Emission Behavior of Silicon Field Emitter Arrays}, series = {Micromachines}, volume = {14}, journal = {Micromachines}, number = {11}, publisher = {MDPI}, doi = {10.3390/mi14112008}, abstract = {Field emitter arrays (FEAs) are a promising component for novel vacuum micro- and nanoelectronic devices, such as microwave power amplifiers or fast-switching X-ray sources. However, the interrelated mechanisms responsible for FEA degradation and failure are not fully understood. Therefore, we present a measurement method for quantitative observation of individual emission sites during integral operation using a low-cost, commercially available CMOS imaging sensor. The emission and degradation behavior of three differently doped FEAs is investigated in current-regulated operation. The measurements reveal that the limited current of the p-doped emitters leads to an activation of up to 55\% of the individual tips in the array, while the activation of the n-type FEA stopped at around 30\%. This enhanced activation results in a more continuous and uniform current distribution for the p-type FEA. An analysis of the individual emitter characteristics before and after a constant current measurement provides novel perspectives on degradation behavior. A burn-in process that trims the emitting tips to an integral current-specific ideal field enhancement factor is observed. In this process, blunt tips are sharpened while sharp tips are dulled, resulting in homogenization within the FEA. The methodology is described in detail, making it easily adaptable for other groups to apply in the further development of promising FEAs.}, language = {en} } @article{BachmannDuesbergPahlkeetal., author = {Bachmann, Michael and D{\"u}sberg, Felix and Pahlke, Andreas and Edler, Simon and Schels, Andreas and Herdl, Florian and Hausladen, Matthias and Buchner, Philipp and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {The "LED-version" of the electron gun: An electron source for operation in ambient pressure environments based on silicon field emitter arrays}, series = {Vakuum in Forschung und Praxis}, volume = {35}, journal = {Vakuum in Forschung und Praxis}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wiley}, doi = {10.1002/vipr.202300801}, pages = {32 -- 37}, abstract = {We report on our progress to develop and optimize electron sources for practical applications. A simple fabrication process is introduced based on a wafer dicing saw and a wet chemical etch step without the need for a clean room. Due to the formation of crystal facets the samples show a homogeneous geometry throughout the array. Characterization techniques are developed to systematically compare various arrays. A very defined measurement procedure based on current controlled IV-sweeps as well as lifetime measurements at various currents is proposed. To investigate the current distribution in the array a commercial CMOS detector is used and shows the potential for in depth analysis of the arrays. Finally, a compact hermetically sealed housing is presented enabling electron generation in atmospheric pressure environments.}, language = {en} } @article{HausladenSchelsBuchneretal., author = {Hausladen, Matthias and Schels, Andreas and Buchner, Philipp and Bartl, Mathias and Asgharzade, Ali and Edler, Simon and Wohlfartsst{\"a}tter, Dominik and Bachmann, Michael and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Measurement of field emission array current distributions by metal-coated CMOS image sensors}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {42}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {6}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, doi = {10.1116/6.0004074}, abstract = {A CMOS image sensor is utilized to determine the time- and spatially resolved distribution of the total electron emission current of a silicon field emission array. The sensor measures electron emission without the need for phosphorus screens or scintillators as converters. However, in initial experiments, rather low field emission currents of several hundreds of nanoamperes per emitter already damaged the sensor surface, which altered the systems' signal response over the measurement time. In consequence, we coated the CMOS sensor surface with a Cu layer for surface protection. In contrast to the original insulating surface, Cu is an excellent current- and heat-conductor, which avoids lens charging by providing a conductive path for incident electrons and has an improved heat dissipation capability. Measurements using a segmented field emission cathode with four individually addressable tips demonstrate a consistent correlation between the emission current and the sensor signal of the metal-coated image sensor. Furthermore, the characterization of a field emission array showed that single tip emission currents of up to 12 μA per tip are measurable without discernible damage effects of the sensor's surface.}, language = {en} } @article{SchreinerWiedmannCoenningetal., author = {Schreiner, Rupert and Wiedmann, J. and Coenning, W. and Porsche, J. and Gentner, Jean-Louis and Berroth, Manfred and Scholz, Ferdinand and Schweizer, H.}, title = {Fabrication approach for antiphase narrow linewidth complex coupled 1.55 μm DFB lasers}, series = {Electronics Letters}, volume = {35}, journal = {Electronics Letters}, number = {2}, publisher = {The Institution of Engineering and Technology IET}, issn = {0013-5194}, doi = {10.1049/el:19990132}, pages = {146 -- 148}, abstract = {A new method for fabricating narrow linewidth antiphase complex coupled MQW DFB lasers by periodically etching the active layer and quartemary InGaAsP overgrowth is reported. The minimum linewidth for a 375 µm long ridge waveguide laser is only 250 kHz at an optical output power of 4 mW.}, language = {en} } @article{HausladenSchelsAsgharzadeetal., author = {Hausladen, Matthias and Schels, Andreas and Asgharzade, Ali and Buchner, Philipp and Bartl, Mathias and Wohlfartsst{\"a}tter, Dominik and Edler, Simon and Bachmann, Michael and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Investigation of Influencing Factors on the Measurement Signal of a CMOS Image Sensor for Measuring Field Emission Currents}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {25}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, doi = {10.3390/s25051529}, pages = {17}, language = {en} } @article{EilerWeberGerlesbergeretal., author = {Eiler, Julian and Weber, Stefan and Gerlesberger, Peter and Pl{\"o}chinger, Heinz and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {Active heat-loss compensated miniaturized pirani sensor chip}, series = {IEEE Sensors Letters}, volume = {9}, journal = {IEEE Sensors Letters}, number = {10}, publisher = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)}, issn = {2475-1472}, doi = {10.1109/LSENS.2025.3605747}, pages = {4}, abstract = {Due to the limited measuring range of commercial Pirani sensors in lower pressure regimes, attempts are being made to extend the measuring range of the sensors. Our approach to extend the measuring range toward lower pressures is a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) Pirani sensor with active heat compensation on the suspensions. The sensor element has the shape of a microhotplate and consists of a nickel heating meander embedded in two silicon nitride layers. The whole structure is built on a silicon wafer. The sensor element is suspended on all four corners of the substrate. On each of the suspensions, there is an additional heating structure that minimizes the heat flux from the hot sensor element toward the substrate. The sensor is driven at a constant temperature through a self-balancing Wheatstone bridge. A constant voltage is applied to the heating structures on the suspensions. It has been demonstrated that with these additional heaters, the sensitivity of the sensor can be increased in the high-vacuum regime. This enables reliable vacuum measurements down to 10-6 mbar.}, language = {en} } @article{BuchnerHausladenBartletal., author = {Buchner, Philipp and Hausladen, Matthias and Bartl, Mathias and Bachmann, Michael and Schreiner, Rupert}, title = {High current field emission from Si nanowires on pillar structures}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B: Nanotechnology and Microelectronics}, volume = {42}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B: Nanotechnology and Microelectronics}, number = {2}, publisher = {AIP}, issn = {2166-2754}, doi = {10.1116/6.0003384}, abstract = {We investigate the influence of the geometry and doping level on the performance of n-type silicon nanowire field emitters on silicon pillar structures. Therefore, multiple cathodes with 50 by 50 pillar arrays (diameter: 5 μm, height: 30 μm, spacing: 50 μm) were fabricated and measured in diode configuration. In the first experiment, we compared two geometry types using the same material. Geometry 1 is black silicon, which is a highly dense surface covering a forest of tightly spaced silicon needles resulting from self-masking during a plasma etching process of single crystal silicon. Geometry 2 are silicon nanowires, which are individual spaced-out nanowires in a crownlike shape resulting from a plasma etching process of single crystal silicon. In the second experiment, we compared two different silicon doping levels [n-type (P), 1-10 and <0.005 Ω cm] for the same geometry. The best performance was achieved with lower doped silicon nanowire samples, emitting 2 mA at an extraction voltage of 1 kV. The geometry/material combination with the best performance was used to assemble an integrated electron source. These electron sources were measured in a triode configuration and reached onset voltages of about 125 V and emission currents of 2.5 mA at extraction voltages of 400 V, while achieving electron transmission rates as high as 85.0\%.}, language = {en} } @article{TanSchreinerHausladenetal., author = {Tan, Jing Jie and Schreiner, Rupert and Hausladen, Matthias and Asgharzade, Ali and Edler, Simon and Bartsch, Julian and Bachmann, Michael and Schels, Andreas and Kwan, Ban-Hoe and Ng, Danny Wee-Kiat and Hum, Yan-Chai}, title = {SiMiC: Context-aware silicon microstructure characterization using attention-based convolutional neural networks for field-emission tip analysis}, series = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, volume = {43}, journal = {Journal of Vacuum Science \& Technology B}, number = {6}, publisher = {AVS}, doi = {10.1116/6.0005068}, abstract = {Accurate characterization of silicon microstructures is essential for advancing microscale fabrication, quality control, and device performance. Traditional analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) often requires labor-intensive, manual evaluation of feature geometry, limiting throughput and reproducibility. In this study, we propose SiMiC: Context-aware Silicon Microstructure Characterization Using Attention-based Convolutional Neural Networks for Field-Emission Tip Analysis. By leveraging deep learning, our approach efficiently extracts morphological features—such as size, shape, and apex curvature—from SEM images, significantly reducing human intervention while improving measurement consistency. A specialized dataset of silicon-based field-emitter tips was developed, and a customized convolutional neural network architecture incorporating attention mechanisms was trained for multiclass microstructure classification and dimensional prediction. Comparative analysis with classical image processing techniques demonstrates that SiMiC achieves high accuracy while maintaining interpretability. The proposed framework establishes a foundation for data-driven microstructure analysis directly linked to field-emission performance, opening avenues for correlating emitter geometry with emission behavior and guiding the design of optimized cold-cathode and SEM electron sources. The related dataset and algorithm repository that could serve as a baseline in this area can be found at https://research.jingjietan.com/?q=SIMIC.}, language = {en} }