title: A compact neutron generator using a field ionization source.
abstract: Field ionization as a means to create ions for compact and rugged neutron sources is pursued. Arrays of carbon nano-fibers promise the high field-enhancement factors required for efficient field ionization. We report on the fabrication of arrays of field emitters with a density up to 10(6) tips∕cm(2) and measure their performance characteristics using electron field emission. The critical issue of uniformity is discussed, as are efforts towards coating the nano-fibers to enhance their lifetime and surface properties.
authors.affiliation: E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA. APersaud@lbl.gov
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Persaud
authors.forename: Ole
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Waldmann
authors.forename: Rehan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kapadia
authors.forename: Kuniharu
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Takei
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Javey
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schenkel