Fully Integrated Millimeter RF Array Using a Carbon Nanotube Cathode

The innovation proposed here is the use of carbon nanotube (CNT) field emission cathodes incorporated into a fully integrated array of RF sources. The goal is to design, fabricate and demonstrate an integrated array of sources for RF generation in theregion of 10 GHz. By integrating the sources together in one device, we can achieve higher levels of redundancy and durability, lower the manufacturing cost, and achieve higher power levels at improved efficiency and bandwidth. Use of carbon nanotubecathodes assists the integration of the devices as demonstrated at FEPET, Inc., in a display device called the HyFEDT (Hybrid Field Emission Display). Phase I of this program will focus on the Electron Bombardment of Semiconductors (EBS) configuration asthe best approach for fabricating the individual sources in the array. This program will argue and defend the feasibility of this approach. The final report will also include a device design. Fabrication and validation of this array device will beaccomplished in Phase II of this program. Commercialization of this concept is expected in Phase III.The technology developed under this program for developing BMDO sensing and surveillance capability will have many commercial uses. For example, onboardradar is one technology being explored for automotive navigation and collision avoidance, improving the safety of our highways. Similar technology is now required in the next few years on the commercial air fleet. Development of applications of carbonnanotube cathodes for this program will lead to developments in other applications as well, such as display, x-ray devices and e-beam lithography.