Alabama Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
EngeniusMicro LLC has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for their innovation in electron emitter technology. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12272511, titled ‘Multi-material thermionic electron emitters’, introduces a novel approach to miniaturizing high-brightness electron sources.
The patented device features a multi-layered structure comprising a low-work function electron emitting layer, an insulating layer, and a substrate. This design enhances thermal isolation and structural integrity, addressing challenges in scaling thermionic emitters for applications like electron microscopy and vacuum electronics.
By employing a suspended beam configuration, the emitter achieves a target operating temperature of approximately 1470K. This arrangement minimizes thermal conduction to the substrate, improving efficiency and longevity. The use of materials such as lanthanum hexaboride (LaB₆) and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) ensures optimal performance and durability.
EngeniusMicro’s innovation represents a significant advancement in electron emitter technology, offering a scalable solution for high-performance applications. The company’s commitment to research and development continues to drive progress in the field of microfabrication and electron emission systems.
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