High Resolution Surface Imaging Using a Carbon Nanotube Array with Pointed Height distribution

Mahapatra, D Roy and Anand, SV and Sinha, N and Melnik, RVN (2009) High Resolution Surface Imaging Using a Carbon Nanotube Array with Pointed Height distribution. In: Nanotech 2009 Conference, MAY 03-07, 2009, Houston, pp. 310-313.

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Abstract

In this paper we discuss a new technique to image the surfaces of metallic substrates using field emission from a pointed array of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). We consider a pointed height distribution of the CNT array under a diode configuration with two side gates maintained at a negative potential to obtain a highly intense beam of electrons localized at the center of the array. The CNT array on a metallic substrate is considered as the cathode and the test substrate as the anode. Scanning the test Substrate with the cathode reveals that the field emission current is highly sensitive to the surface features with nanometer resolution. Surface features of semi-circular, triangular and rectangular geometries (projections and grooves) are considered for simulation. This surface scanning/mapping technique can be applied for surface roughness measurements with nanoscale accuracy. micro/nano damage detection, high precision displacement sensors, vibrometers and accelerometers. among other applications.

Item Type:	Conference Paper
Publisher:	Taylore and Francis
Additional Information:	Copyright for this article belongs to Taylore and Francis.
Keywords:	carbon nanotube; field emission; surface imaging; pointed height distribution; array; sensor
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Aerospace Engineering(Formerly Aeronautical Engineering)
Date Deposited:	02 Feb 2010 10:28
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 05:54
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/25468

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