Optimization of silicon field-emission arrays fabrication for space applications by Wang, L, Stevens, R, Huq, E, Loader, I, Kent, B, Aplin, K, She, J

“…The optimization of fabrication of silicon field-emission arrays was carried out on 4 in. silicon wafers for the field-emission electric propulsion neutralizer applications. The optimization of a mixture of SF6, O2 and Ar for silicon tip etches was done to improve the uniformity and process repeatability. …”

Field emission performance of multiwalled carbon nanotubes for a low-power spacecraft neutraliser by Aplin, K, Kent, B, Song, W, Castelli, C

“…Field electron emission from aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes has been assessed to determine if the performance, defined by power consumption, lifetime and emission current, is suitable for use in spacecraft charge neutralisation for field emission electric propulsion (FEEP). Carbon nanotubes grown by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) were mounted on a dual in line chip with a macroscopic (nickel mesh) extractor electrode mounted ∼1 mm above the tubes. …”