Process for the controlled growth of needle-like crystals and their application for making pointed microcathodes.

摘要

Growth process according to which a layer (1) of a material which has openings (5) is produced at the surface of a substrate. A material which, when it is liquid, can absorb the material to be grown is deposited in each opening. The growth is then carried out in vapour phase. The material of the layer (1) is chosen so that at its surface there should be neither growth nor nucleation during the growth in vapour phase. Applications: production of accurately positioned filamentary monocrystals. Production of point microcathodes.