title: A single-atom sharp iridium tip as an emitter of gas field ion sources.
abstract: We report a reliable method for preparing a pure Ir single-atom tip by thermal treatment in oxygen. The atomic structure of the tip apex and its ion emission characteristics are investigated with field ion microscopy. We have shown that the Ir single-atom tip can be a good field ion emitter, capable of emitting a variety of gas ion beams, such as He+, H2+, N2+, and O2+, with high brightness and stability. In addition, this tip can easily be maintained and regenerated in vacuum, ensuring it has sufficient lifetime for practical applications.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: Hong-Shi
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kuo
authors.forename: Ing-Shouh
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Tsu-Yi
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.forename: Ying-Siang
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Yi-Hsien
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Chun-Yueh
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Jin-Long
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.forename: Tien T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Tsong