Abstract: A method for fabrication of volcano-shaped field emitters forming low-cost, large area manufacturing of ungated and gated vertical field emitter arrays. Gate and emitter thin films are deposited onto a substrate on which arrays of posts have been previously fabricated. These conformal films cover the substrate, the sidewalls of the posts, and the post top surfaces or plateaus. By using chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), some or all of the thin films are selectively removed, leaving an intermediate structure that, after removing a small portion of the gate-to-emitter insulating film, is suitable for cold electron emission. One embodiment discloses a method of forming these devices without resort to a planarization layer. A second embodiment discloses a methodology employing a planarization layer.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of volcano-shaped field emitters forming low-cost, large area manufacturing of ungated and gated vertical field emitter arrays. Gate and emitter thin films are deposited onto a substrate on which arrays of posts have been previously fabricated. These conformal films cover the substrate, the sidewalls of the posts, and the post top surfaces or plateaus. By using chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), some or all of the thin films are selectively removed, leaving an intermediate structure that, after removing a small portion of the gate-to-emitter insulating film, is suitable for cold electron emission. One embodiment discloses a method of forming these devices without resort to a planarization layer. A second embodiment discloses a methodology employing a planarization layer.

Abstract: An improved non-destructive sonic testing apparatus is disclosed which is specially adapted for use in assessing the integrity of wooden utility poles. In one embodiment, the sonic testing apparatus of the present invention operates to perform a Fourier analysis on a signal which has been transmitted through a pole to be tested. Two or more criteria selected from the group of mode, mean, median and range are then determined for the resulting waveform and compared in order to provide a visual display representative of the condition of the pole being tested. In another embodiment of the present invention a software peak seeking algorithm is utilized to provide an envelope waveform from which successive half lives are determined. The relative time duration for successive half lives are compared to provide an indication of the amount of decay.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the strength of the sidewalls of hollow tubular members such as for example metal utility poles is disclosed. The present invention provides a self-contained mechanically actuated testing device which is operable to subject a pole to be tested to a concentrated impact force of a predetermined magnitude, the magnitude being selected such that the impacting portion of the tool will penetrate the sidewall if the strength thereof has diminished below an acceptable level.