Preparation and characterization of ultrasharp tungsten wires

Keywords:
electrochemical polishing, tugsten wire, ultrasharp tip, terrace, meniscus, emitting characteristics

Abstract:
The ultrasharp tungsten wires were produced by electrochemical method for electroexplosion of polymers. The effects of electropolishing control parameters, tungsten wire diameter, applied voltage and depth of the wire immersion into electrolyte, on the tip radius were studied. Using video microscopy and particle image analysis, we propose a mechanism of the tungsten wire thinning at the electrolyte-air interface. The terrace instability developed during the polishing at some critical conditions and role of a meniscus created between the wire and electrolyte were also explored. Finally, emitting characteristics of the produced ultrasharp tungsten wires were studied in air and liquid media.

Nanotech 2008 Conference Program Abstract