Some embodiments of vacuum electronics call for nanoscale field-enhancing geometries. Methods and apparatus for using nanoparticles to fabricate nanoscale field-enhancing geometries are described herein. Other embodiments of vacuum electronics call for methods of controlling spacing between a control grid and an electrode on a nano- or micron-scale, and such methods are described herein.

Some embodiments of vacuum electronics call for nanoscale field-enhancing geometries. Methods and apparatus for using nanoparticles to fabricate nanoscale field-enhancing geometries are described herein. Other embodiments of vacuum electronics call for methods of controlling spacing between a control grid and an electrode on a nano- or micron-scale, and such methods are described herein.

Some embodiments of vacuum electronics call for nanoscale field-enhancing geometries. Methods and apparatus for using nanoparticles to fabricate nanoscale field-enhancing geometries are described herein. Other embodiments of vacuum electronics call for methods of controlling spacing between a control grid and an electrode on a nano- or micron-scale, and such methods are described herein.

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a mechanically stable, long-life, cold field emitter assembly which is compatible with ultra-high vacuum and occasional high-temperature flashing. A metal adapter is welded between a hexaboride electrode and a metal filament. Some embodiments use a tungsten filament, a tantalum adapter, and a LaB6 microrod electrode with a nanorod emitter tip. Other material combinations are disclosed, as also usage in electron sources for electron microscopes. In variations, the adapter is deposited onto the filament and the electrode then welded to the adapter.

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a mechanically stable, long-life junction between hexaboride-containing and tantalum-containing components. Examples are used as a cold field emitter assembly which is compatible with ultra-high vacuum and occasional high-temperature flashing. A metal adapter is welded to a hexaboride electrode. Some embodiments use a tantalum adapter and a LaB6 microrod electrode with a nanorod emitter tip. Other material combinations are disclosed, as also usage in electron sources for electron microscopes. In variations, the adapter is deposited onto a filament and the electrode then welded to the adapter.