Single-Atom-Tip Field Emitters Generated on Frozen Refractory-Metal Taylor Cones

The production and emission properties of single-atom-tip field emitters created on the terminus of frozen refractory-metal Taylor cones are described. Emission angles of electron beams from these tips can be made either very narrow or wide, depending on different post-processing steps. Individual atoms on tips are remarkably well resolved using field emission microscopy. Potential applications of the resultant coherent electron beam from these unique field emitters are discussed.