An array of carbon nanotube micro-tip structure includes an insulating substrate and a plurality of patterned carbon nanotube film structures. The insulating substrate includes a surface. The surface includes an edge. A plurality of patterned carbon nanotube film structures spaced from each other. Each of the plurality of patterned carbon nanotube film structures is partially arranged on the surface of the insulating substrate. Each of the plurality of patterned carbon nanotube film structures comprises two strip-shaped arms joined together forming a tip portion protruding and suspending from the edge of the surface of the insulating substrate. Each of the two strip-shaped arms comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes parallel to the surface of the insulating substrate.

A method of preparation of focal plane arrays of infrared bolometers includes processing carbon nanotubes to increase a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), followed by patterning to form focal plane arrays for infrared imaging.

Provided is an infrared optical sensor including a substrate, a channel layer on the substrate, optical absorption structures dispersed and disposed on the channel layer, and electrodes disposed on the substrate, and disposed on both sides of the channel layer, wherein the channel layer and the optical absorption structures include transition metal dichalcogenides.

An electron beam source is provided that includes a vessel forming a chamber, a cathode disposed within the chamber, the cathode comprising a low dimensional electrically conductive material having an anisotropic restricted thermal conductivity, an electrode disposed in the chamber, the electrode being connectable to a power source for applying a positive voltage to the electrode relative to the cathode for accelerating free electrons away from the cathode to form an electron beam when the cathode is illuminated by electromagnetic (EM) radiation such that the cathode thermionically emits free electrons, and an electron emission window in the chamber for passing a generated electron beam out of the chamber. An electron microscope that incorporates the electron beam source is also provided.

Provided is an infrared optical sensor including a substrate, a channel layer on the substrate, optical absorption structures dispersed and disposed on the channel layer, and electrodes disposed on the substrate, and disposed on both sides of the channel layer, wherein the channel layer and the optical absorption structures include transition metal dichalcogenides.

An electron beam source is provided that includes a vessel forming a chamber, a cathode disposed within the chamber, the cathode comprising a low dimensional electrically conductive material having an anisotropic restricted thermal conductivity, an electrode disposed in the chamber, the electrode being connectable to a power source for applying a positive voltage to the electrode relative to the cathode for accelerating free electrons away from the cathode to form an electron beam when the cathode is illuminated by electromagnetic (EM) radiation such that the cathode thermionically emits free electrons, and an electron emission window in the chamber for passing a generated electron beam out of the chamber. An electron microscope that incorporates the electron beam source is also provided.

A method for manufacturing a carbon nanotube (CNT) of a predetermined length is disclosed. The method includes generating an electric field to align one or more CNTs and severing the one or more aligned CNTs at a predetermined location. The severing each of the aligned CNTs may include etching the predetermined location of the one or more aligned CNTs and applying a voltage across the one or more etched CNTs.

A composite carbon nanotube structure comprises a first carbon nanotube structure and a second carbon nanotube structure. The first carbon nanotube structure includes a number of first carbon nanotubes extending substantially along the same direction and joined end-to-end by van der Waals force. The second carbon nanotube structure includes a number of second carbon nanotubes extending from a surface of the first carbon nanotube structure.

A method of preparation of focal plane arrays of infrared bolometers includes processing carbon nanotubes to increase a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), followed by patterning to form focal plane arrays for infrared imaging.

A field emission electron source includes a linear carbon nanotube structure, an insulating layer and at least one conductive ring. The linear carbon nanotube structure has a first end and a second end. The insulating layer is located on outer surface of the linear carbon nanotube structure. The first conductive ring includes a first ring face 1301 and a second ring face, an end surface of the linear carbon nanotube structure, and the first ring face are coplanar.