Spindt array
A Spindt array is a form of field emitter array (FEA), and consists of regular array of tiny conical tips microfabricated on a substrate. The individual Spindt tips emits electrons by field electron emission, at relatively low applied voltages, applied to a build-in gate electrode. It is named after Charles A. Spindt who developed this technology at SRI International.
Because of its small size (micrometer scale, now down to nanometer scale), the tip creates a high electric field at a relatively low voltage. Integrated circuit lithographic technology is used for array fabrication, amd it it is possible to pack a high number of such tips on a substrate, thereby increasing the electron currnent generated.
One of the earliest article describing a single emitter tip microfabricated on a wafer dates back to 1968[1]. Spindt, Shoulders and Heynick filed a U.S. Patent [2] in 1970 for a vacuum device comprising an array of emitter tips.
The main use of a FEA is in connection with a form of electronic information display (a "flat panel display") known as a {{Field electron emission|field emission display]] (or, more recently as a "nano-emissive display".) However, possible uses as microwave generators and as space-vehicle neutralisers have also been explored.
Alternatives forms of field emitter array are based on the ordered growth of carbon nanotubes on a substrate.