Development of a diamond transmitted secondary electron source

We are developing a vacuum electron source using electrons transmitted through thin films of diamond. Calculations suggest this cold electron source is capable of providing total average currents in excess of 1A as well as energy spread below 0.5 eV and current densities roughly 100 times higher than conventional dispenser cathodes. We are growing diamond films with excellent quality and developing fabrication and processing methods required to create a transmitted secondary electron source.