Implementation of nanodiamond field emission microelectronic integrated devices and circuits

This article reviews recent development of the vertically configured vacuum field emission integrated devices utilizing nanodiamond microtip emitters and their further implementation into circuits. The device design, fabrication and characterization of the nanodiamond vacuum field emission functional devices including transistor and triode are discussed. The realization of the basic circuit building block - differential amplifier - is also reported, indicating the feasibility of vacuum-based ICs. These developments provide a promising method for accomplishing vacuum-based microelectronics.