Characterization of the microstructure of diamond pyramidal microtip emitters

The topology, morphology and microstructure of micro-patterned diamond pyramidal tips have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy scanning tunneling microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the diamond microtips are polycrystalline in structure. AFM and STM results provide detail information as to the surface and tip shape of the diamond emitters. The results suggest a nucleation and growth process whereby the manner in which CVD diamond nucleates on the planar top surface of the tip substrate is distinct and different from the way the diamond grows in the cavity ''mold''. Likewise, the TEM results contrast the diamond microstructure in the field area with that of the tip where distinct differences are observed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.