Abstract: A method for making a field emitter comprising the steps of providing a projection; electrically biasing the projection; and exposing the electrically biased projection to a hydrocarbon containing plasma to form a layer of diamond nuclei on the projection. The diamond nuclei are relatively inert and have a high nucleation density. The projection is preferably a material capable of forming a carbide, such as (111) oriented silicon. Refractory metals may also be used for the projection. The electrical biasing is preferably at a voltage in a range of about -150 to -250 volts. The hydrocarbon containing plasma preferably comprises a plasma including about 2 to 5% by weight of methane in hydrogen. An intervening carbide layer is preferably formed at a surface of the projection and underlying the layer of diamond nuclei. The field emitter produced by the method and having a relatively high diamond nucleation density is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument comprising a handle which holds a blade assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes and insulation members positioned between the electrodes.The blade assembly comprises a center electrode of specified thickness, insulation members secured to the center electrode and a plurality of side electrodes secured to the insulation members. The center electrode and insulation members are cut to form a cutting edge having a composite angle of less than 120.degree. thus allowing easier electrosurgical performance.The electrodes are connected inside the nonconductive handle to a circuit whose output consists of a high frequency electrical current which forms a circuit through tissue intervening between and in contact with the electrodes when the instrument is used.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for cutting, spot coagulation and point coagulation comprising a nonconductive handle which holds a blade assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes and an insulation member separating the electrodes.The blade assembly comprises an active center electrode of specified thickness with a recessed tip and is mounted to an extruded insulation member so that it extends outwardly from the insulation member to form a cutting edge.Split side return electrodes are symmetrically mounted to the insulation member and separated from the center electrode by the insulation member. The electrode area ratio of the return electrode area to the active electrode area falls between 0.70 and 2.0 allowing consistent bipolar operation.The electrodes are connected inside the nonconductive handle to a circuit whose output consists of a high frequency electrical current which forms a circuit through tissue intervening between and in contact with the electrodes when the instrument is used.