Field electron emission from a high-T/sub c/ superconductor Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 8+/spl delta// whisker

In this study, field emission (FE) properties of a high-T/sub c/ superconductor Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 8+/spl delta// (Bi-2212) whisker as well as the optimization of the sample preparation methods were explored. Either chemical etching or mechanical cutting was undertaken at first in order to sharpen one end of the whisker. Both of the treatments successfully yielded a sharply pointed tip with its radius less than 500 nm. Subsequent preparation treatments in a UHV chamber provided layered patterns in FTM observation, which were very characteristic of those of other layered superconductors. More importantly, the treatments inside the UHV chamber stabilized FE currents to a significant level. The resulting fluctuation was subtle enough to be analyzed the energy distribution curves of the FE electron beams issuing from the superconducting Bi-2212.