Smith–Purcell radiation using a single-tip field emitter

Abstract

We have successfully observed Smith–Purcell radiation (SPR) using a single-tip n-type Si field emitter in the visible wavelength from 400to700nm at low input power level with beam currents of 20–200nA and accelerating voltages of 25–30kV. Several peaks corresponding to the third and fourth harmonics of SPR are obtained using a 550nm period metal grating and redshifted with decrease of the acceleration voltage. The measured peaks are well explained by the SPR theory.