MEMS-Compatible X-Ray Source

In this letter we present the first stand-alone X-ray source made in MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) technology, which is able to operate outside a vacuum chamber. We have overcome the existing problems with hermetic sealing, high vacuum stabilization and risk of electric short-circuits which have so far prevented the realization of such a device. The source is
$30\times 16 \times 7$
mm3, operates up to 30 keV, with currents reaching few hundred microamperes. Due to the technological compatibility with other MEMS structures and possibility of adjusting its parameters, this source can be easily applied in different X-ray experiments performed in micro scale. [2024-0103]