This is a research program in my laboratory on a nanostructured electron source and its applications, notably a low-cost, compact, and flexible electron microscope. The goal is to democratize electron microscopy and, more broadly, electron beam technologies.
The electron source works based on light-induced heat localization (the Heat Trap effect) and thermionic emission from nanomaterials, in particular carbon nanotube arrays, discovered in this laboratory. A review of this source and its basic properties is presented in this paper. This source enables multiple simplifications in electron beam device design because
– it can be excited by a simple thumb-size laser;
– its small, optically-controlled emission spot allows for a simplified beam column;
– it does not need thermal management or power electronics, and can be easily floated at any potential;
– it can tolerate poor vacuum and has a long lifetime.
An electron microscope built based on this source is presented in this paper. The instrument uses off-the-shelf components and hobby-level construction and electronics, costing a total of a few thousand dollars (not including the vacuum pump). The idea is to make it possible for others to build their own instruments in formats that fit their needs.
Intellectual property and licensing
While this source and electron beam devices based on it are patented, you are welcome to obtain a free license to them from UBC for non-commercial use. To facilitate this, the detailed design documents of the microscope are also made available. Please note that you need a license regardless of whether you make a microscope or other electron beam devices based on this source, and whether or not you use the provided design documents.
You can proceed only if you have all the expertise, knowledge, skills, and experience relevant to such a project, including all the safety aspects related to nanomaterial handling, lasers, high voltage, and X-ray radiation, in addition to general electrical and mechanical safety. You must take all appropriate safety measures and are fully responsible for doing so. To obtain the license, you must be over the age of consent and possess the legal authority to enter into the license agreement. To continue, click here. This will take you to the UBC Flintbox page that handles the license and provides the design documents.