Progress in field-emitter array development for high-frequency operation

A low-capacitance configuration of the Spindt-type field-emitter array has been integrated with a microstrip line for experiments on high-frequency operation. Emission modulation has been shown in a triode configuration up to 1.3 GHz with the emitters at ground and the microwave signal coupled into the gate. The total emission current at this frequency was 10 mA with a total transconductance of 660 /spl mu/S. S parameter measurements show a 3.5-dB gain in the forward transmission coefficient at 1 GHz and 5 mA. Other measurements show that devices in the tens-of-GHz range should be possible.<
>