High current liquid metal ion source using porous tungsten multiemitters

We recently developed an indium Liquid-Metal-Ion-Source that can emit currents from sub-μA up to several mA. It is based on a porous tungsten crown structure with 28 individual emitters, which is manufactured using Micro-Powder Injection Molding (μPIM) and electrochemical etching. The emitter combines the advantages of internal capillary feeding with excellent emission properties due to micron-size tips. Significant progress was made on the homogeneity of the emission over its current–voltage characteristic as well as on investigating its long-term stability. This LMIS seems very suitable for space propulsion as well as for micro/nano manufacturing applications with greatly increased milling/drilling speeds. This paper summarizes the latest developments on our porous multiemitters with respect to manufacturing, emission properties and long-term testing.